De Lijn orders further 252 charging stations to SPIE-Ekoenergetyka

De Lijn is placing a new order with SPIE for 252 additional charging stations for its depots. The charging stations are scheduled to go into operation in 2023-2024.

This year board of directors of De Lijn has started a procurement for the purchase of up to 1,250 emission-free buses of different types with lengths between 8.5 to 24 metres.

Last year, the public transport company concluded a framework agreement with SPIE-Ekoenergetyka, a new entity created by SPIE Belgium and Ekoenergetyka, a Polish company specializing in electric charging infrastructure. The contract includes the delivery, commissioning and maintenance of charging stations for electric and hybrid buses at De Lijn depots. Since the signing of this agreement, a first series of charging stations have already been delivered, installed and put into service.

De Lijn: new charging stations with SPIE – Ekoenergetyka

Based on this successful first collaboration, De Lijn is placing a new order with SPIE for 252 additional charging stations for its depots – including those in Destelbergen and Genk. The charging stations are scheduled to go into operation in 2023-2024.

For Ann Schoubs, General Manager of De Lijn, this is an important step in making public transport more sustainable. “As part of our goal to offer a zero-emission public transport service by 2035, the implementation of the necessary infrastructure for their charging is a crucial step, to which SPIE Belgium and Ekoenergetyka have contributed significantly.”

Hein Dirix, Managing Director of SPIE Belgium, is delighted with this new assignment at De Lijn: “This type of project fits perfectly with our ambition to actively contribute to the ongoing energy transition, while helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals.”

“Our numerous cooperations are the best proof of the quality of our solutions, and show us that the transition to public transport without direct CO2 emissions is already a reality. The charging infrastructure we are developing meets local requirements and is usable for all electric buses on the market. The scope and implementation of the De Lijn project requires the most innovative charging solutions. Our advanced technology and solutions will continue to support the development of direct emission-free transport within De Lijn,” said Maciej Wojeński, co-founder of Ekoenergetyka-Polska S.A.

Source of opening picture: https://www.nau.ch/news/schweiz/schaffhauser-bevolkerung-kann-mit-elektrobussen-probefahren-65583501