35 trolleybuses and 19 e-buses: new tender in Bologna (with option for further 35 trolleys)

One tender, two lots, 35 trolleybuses with IMC (In Motion Charging) technology (with an option for a further 35) and 19 BEV buses: this is included in the newest TPER Bologna’s tender aiming at going ahead with its fleet renewal plan in the name of electric traction.

The total value of the tender – which will expire on 31 March 2025 – is EUR 126.480 million.

TPER is deploying a batch of 24 Karsan electric buses (tender awarded in late 2022), in addition to a fleet of VDL Citea. In the same city of Bologna, Kempower opened its first Italian depot for electric buses. What is more, the city is heavily investing in hydrogen technology: deliveries for 130 Solaris fuel cell buses have already started.

Trolleybuses and e-buses for Bologna

The first lots is relating to trolleybuses (for which the supply of spare parts is also envisaged) focuses on trolleybuses with a fully lowered floor, between 18 and 18.75 metres in length, with 4 doors, IMC functionality and two seats reserved for people with disabilities.

Concerning the second lot for full electric battery buses, in the tender documentation TPER requires them to have a fully low-floor, with a length between 12 and 12.30 metres, 3 doors, a wheelchair station, and opportunity charge (fast recharging) technologya via bottom-up pantograph carried out at the terminus or depot.