The partners in the ElectriCity venture in Gothenburg, Sweden, have announced they will expand electric bus operations in the city from June 2018.

With ten all-electric or partially electrified buses already in operation on route 55, two additional electrically powered high-capacity buses will start operating on route 16. Plans are also underway to expand the demo arena with heavy vehicles for quiet and emission-free urban traffic.

Stefan Eglinger, Director of Urban Transport Administration, City of Gothenburg, said: “Gothenburg has a strong automotive industry and is the Nordic region’s logistics hub. One benefit is that we get involved early in testing next-generation technology. That’s exciting and we learn more together with our partners in ElectriCity than we would do alone. We take these lessons with us in our urban planning as Gothenburg grows into an attractive large city. Tomorrow’s quiet vehicles emitting no exhaust gases will make the city even more appealing for people to live in, work in and enjoy. I’m happy and proud that our cooperative venture has been so successful that we now want to go further in the next phase.”

ElectriCity has brought together companies, researchers, public authorities, the city and the region since 2013 to test and develop new solutions for sustainable transport and sustainable urban development.

When the Volvo Ocean Race comes to Gothenburg in June 2018, two electrically powered articulated buses will showcase the latest developments as they operate between city mall Nordstan and Frihamnen. These two prototype buses will then run on route 16, which will be equipped with charging infrastructure and bus stop facilities for electrified high-capacity traffic.

Ulrika Frick, chair of the Västra Götaland Region public transport board, which is responsible for the development of public transport in Västra Götaland, said: “We want more people to give up their cars, cut emissions and reduce noise levels. Electric buses help us reach these targets and our mission is to create the public transport of the future. That’s why we are now looking forward to the next big step, testing larger electric buses on more frequent routes and with more passengers.”

For more information about the ElectriCity partnership visit goteborgelectricity.se.