Portuguese carrier STCP launched a 13 million euros tender for 30 electric buses

Portuguese operator STCP, active in the area of Porto, has launched a tender for 30 electric buses and charging infrastructure.

This initiative is part of STCP’s ongoing fleet modernization and decarbonization efforts, carries a total investment of €12.9 million. The operator has already Zhongtong vehicles in operation: a fleet of 48 e-buses was ordered in January 2023. And 5 units were already provided in 2021.

Porto has already Zhongtong e-buses in operation

Currently, STCP operates a fleet of 446 vehicles, of which 75% are powered by natural gas, 10% use diesel, and 15% are fully electric (a rough calculations suggests that Porto has already over 60 e-buses in operation).

As for tender requirements, the new electric buses will be standard 12-meter vehicles, with a minimum range of 320 km. The buses are expected to be in operation by the second quarter of 2026, at which point STCP’s fleet will include 126 zero-emission buses.

In addition to the new buses, STCP will also invest in the necessary charging infrastructure. The project includes the installation of 15 dual charging points, providing 30 charging stations to support the new electric fleet. The total cost for the charging infrastructure is estimated at €900,000. These charging stations will be located at the Via Norte depot, which will house the new vehicles.

Cristina Pimentel, Chair of STCP’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of this move: “STCP is committed to leading the transition to more sustainable and efficient public transport. The launch of this tender for the purchase of 30 standard 100 per cent electric buses represents another concrete step in our commitment to clean mobility, benefiting the quality of life of our passengers and the populations of the municipalities in which we operate.