Hochbahn starts trial operations at Hamburg’s first fully electric bus depot in Meiendorf

Hamburger Hochbahn has started trial operations at its first depot dedicated exclusively to electric buses in Meiendorf, Hamburg, on 19 October 2026, ahead of the facility’s scheduled commissioning in mid-December.

During the initial testing phase, up to ten electric buses and approximately 20 employees will operate from the new site. According to Hochbahn, the trial period will continue until the timetable change in mid-December 2026, when the depot is scheduled to enter regular operation.

The new facility, whose works began in end 2023, will eventually accommodate around 130 zero-emission buses, serving routes primarily in northeastern Hamburg, including the districts of Rahlstedt, Farmsen, Volksdorf and Berne.

Hochbahn tests electric bus charging infrastructure at Meiendorf depot

The trial operations launched on 19 October focus on testing the interaction between electric buses and charging infrastructure under actual operating conditions.

According to Hochbahn, the programme includes verification of charging equipment, integration of the new infrastructure into daily operations and preparation of the depot’s operating procedures.

The testing phase also covers the organisation of on-site activities, coordination between operating teams and training of additional bus drivers assigned to the Meiendorf facility.

Drivers are already carrying out regular passenger services from the new location, while the depot progressively prepares for operation with a larger electric bus fleet.

The testing programme is scheduled to conclude with the December timetable change, when the depot will transition to regular operations.

Hamburg’s new electric bus depot to accommodate 130 zero-emission vehicles

Once fully operational, the Meiendorf depot will serve as a base for approximately 130 electric buses operating mainly in northeastern Hamburg.

The facility will support services in Rahlstedt, Farmsen, Volksdorf and Berne, with vehicles stationed closer to their respective operating areas.

According to Hochbahn, the location will allow buses to be deployed more directly on their assigned routes and reduce non-revenue mileage associated with movements between depots and service areas.

The Meiendorf facility is the first Hochbahn depot designed for the exclusive operation of electric buses.

The operator has not specified the charging power, number of charging points, total investment or technical specifications of the charging infrastructure in its announcement.

Photovoltaics, green roofs and waste-heat recovery at Meiendorf

The new depot incorporates several measures for energy and resource management. According to Hochbahn, the buildings will feature green roofs and photovoltaic installations, while rainwater will be collected and used for the vehicle washing facility.

The site will also recover waste heat generated by the electric bus charging equipment and use it for heating purposes.

In brief

• When did HOCHBAHN start trial operations at Meiendorf? Trial operations began on 19 October 2026, with regular operation scheduled for mid-December.
• How many electric buses will be based at the depot? The facility is planned to accommodate approximately 130 zero-emission buses.
• How many vehicles are involved in the initial testing phase? Up to ten electric buses, supported by approximately 20 employees.
• Which areas of Hamburg will the depot serve? Mainly northeastern districts, including Rahlstedt, Farmsen, Volksdorf and Berne.