Hochbanh to deploy up to 240 electric buses in Hamburg by 2031

New developments are on the horizon for the Hochbahn fleet, Hamburg’s public transport operator: after embarking on the electrification of its vehicle fleet in recent years — with 350 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses scheduled for delivery by December 2030 — the company has announced that it will purchase an additional 240 electric buses by 2031. Currently, […]

By Editorial staff

New developments are on the horizon for the Hochbahn fleet, Hamburg’s public transport operator: after embarking on the electrification of its vehicle fleet in recent years — with 350 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses scheduled for delivery by December 2030 — the company has announced that it will purchase an additional 240 electric buses by 2031.

Currently, 432 electric vehicles are already in service, representing around 39% of the entire fleet. In addition, from January 2026, the internal combustion engine vehicles will be progressively converted to the use of HVO fuels (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), with the aim of significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Robert Henrich, CEO of Hochbahn, stated: “Our direction remains clear: we continue to consistently advance the electrification of our bus fleet. At the same time, we have the responsibility to ensure that public transport remains stable, flexible, and reliable even in exceptional situations“.

Highlights

Driver shortage pushes bus depots toward automation

Europe’s public transport operators are entering a period where staffing pressure and fleet electrification meet in the same place: the bus depot. Around 105,000 bus and coach driver positions remain unfilled across Europe (IRU figures cited in sector analyses), and a meaningful slice of working tim...

Related articles

Ebusco, from revolutionary promises to the race for survival

Ebusco, that started operations in Europe in 2012, remains under pressure to stabilize its operations and secure long-term viability. The company is currently implementing a Turnaround Plan that includes the transition to a OED (Original Equipment Designer) company, with outsourced production. Let'...