Bremen launches 50 new e-buses from upgraded Blumenthal depot

Bremen, in Germany, has officially launched 50 new battery-electric articulated buses, now operating from the fully modernized Blumenthal depot in the city’s north. The facility, converted by the Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) into its first fully electric bus depot, now serves as the operational hub for the 90 lines in Bremen-Nord. The fleet includes 35 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro (5 were commissioned already in 2020, with solid-state batteries, and further 15 were ordered in 2021) and 15 Irizar ie bus 18 vehicles awarded in 2023.

The commissioning of both the vehicles and infrastructure marks a significant step in BSAG’s long-term transition to an electric fleet. With these additions, the number of electric buses in the BSAG fleet rises to 70—accounting for nearly one-third of all buses in operation. According to the current roadmap, the complete electrification of the bus fleet is expected by 2035.

Electric buses in Bremen: 96 million euros invested

The Blumenthal depot has undergone a full upgrade since spring 2024, including the installation of charging systems, a new power infrastructure building, and a load and energy management system, BSAG states. A new workshop specifically designed for electric buses will become operational in August. The site also accommodates both the electric fleet and a reduced number of diesel buses, which will remain necessary for certain longer routes that exceed the range of current electric models.

The overall investment in the project amounts to approximately 96 million euros. The City of Bremen contributed 59 million euros, BSAG added 14.7 million euros, and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport supported the project with 22.2 million euros under the national funding scheme for alternative-drive buses. Part of this federal contribution is backed by European funds through the NextGenerationEU programme.

Training for operations has also been a central part of the transition. Over 250 drivers have been prepared for the new electric vehicles, while workshop personnel have been qualified in high-voltage and battery technology. Final work at the site will be completed by the end of September.

“We are very proud that our first electric bus depot has been established on Ermlandstraße in Bremen-Nord,” emphasized BSAG Technical Director Thorsten Harder. “Starting at the end of June, 50 new battery-powered articulated buses will be operating on the 90-series lines from there—35 articulated buses from Mercedes and 15 buses from the Spanish manufacturer Irizar. That brings BSAG’s total number of electric buses in service to 70. Nearly one-third of our bus fleet is now battery-electric. By 2035, our entire bus fleet will run electrically.”