Italy, Modena’s carrier SETA launches tender for 28 electric buses 9.5-meter long

On July 4, 2025, SETA Modena published a tender for the supply of 28 fully electric buses, including 14 firm orders and 14 optional units, as reported on our sister media Autobusweb. The vehicles subject to the tender are 9.5 meters in length, feature a low-floor design, two doors, and a dedicated wheelchair space. They will be powered by a full electric driveline with overnight charging via plug-in connector.

The maximum estimated value of the contract, excluding VAT, is €27.04 million. The tender is organized as a single lot and includes options for spare parts supply and full-service maintenance.

Earlier this year, in March 2025, SETA issued a major tender for 261 Class I and II buses powered by gas and diesel and finalized the purchase of ten electric buses from MAN (see opening picture).

9.5-meter buses for Modena

The contract will be awarded based on the most economically advantageous offer, with technical aspects accounting for 70 out of 100 points. The deadline for bid submission is August 26, 2025, with electronic bid opening scheduled the same day at noon.

The specific length requirement significantly narrows the pool of eligible suppliers. Among the potential candidates is Iveco Bus, which offers the shortest version of its E-Way model in this segment.

The vehicles will belong to Class I and are intended for urban public transport services in the territories served by SETA: Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Piacenza. The contract is expected to start on September 1, 2025, and may extend through 2039 according to the tender specifications.