Photo: Mario Bauchspieß/SWE, Steve Bauerschmidt
Five Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe buses now run on a new type of eco-diesel – and protect the environment
The Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe (EVAG) is taking another important step towards sustainable mobility. There are now five EVAG buses operating in Erfurt that run on 100 percent fuel from renewable raw materials. Behind it is a new type of eco-diesel called HVO100. The fuel can reduce the direct CO2 emissions of vehicles by up to 90 percent.
HVO100 stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil – translated: vegetable oils treated with hydrogen. Eco-diesel is largely made from old fats and oils from commercial kitchens, but also from cellulose waste or leftover wood and fish. A special process using hydrogen creates HVO100, which is similar to conventional diesel made from fossil fuels.
“As EVAG, we are pleased to have the first buses with the new, low-emission diesel on the road,” says Mario Bauchspieß, who heads the Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe bus workshop. He and his team have been preparing for the launch of this environmentally friendly fuel type in recent weeks.
Mario Bauchspieß: “We completely emptied and cleaned an existing fuel tank and replaced the outdated gas pumps. Now you can fill up with both conventional and more environmentally friendly diesel at EVAG. The good thing is that we don't have to make any technical adjustments or conversions to the buses." Another advantage of the alternative fuel: it burns very efficiently and the engine runs noticeably quieter.
Old buses in retirement
More about the new EVAG buses 360 hp, space for up to 154 people, air conditioning, WiFi - this and more are offered by the ten new buses from Erfurter Verkehrsbetriebe, which have recently been on the streets of the Thuringian state capital. For test purposes, five of them are operated exclusively with the new eco-diesel, the others still run on conventional fuel for direct comparison.
The otherwise identical buses are modern articulated diesel hybrid buses from MAN. At 18 meters, they have three large double doors that ensure easy entry and exit. In the interior of the red and white giants there are two large multifunctional areas that offer plenty of space for passengers with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Together with the integrated soft-closing mechanism for people with limited mobility, the buses meet the current accessibility requirements in Erfurt. Background It is not uncommon for the Erfurt transport company to order new buses. Vehicles that are getting old need to be replaced at regular intervals. The ten buses put into service are part of a package ordered last year 2023. The order also includes three articulated electric buses. These vehicles will be handed over to EVAG next year. A total of 7.1 million euros will be invested in the new vehicles.
As part of the new purchase, twelve old buses will be replaced over the next few years. You have achieved a mileage of between 800,000 and 1,000,000 kilometers and are being retired. With the new purchase, EVAG's regular bus fleet will grow from the current 71 to 74 vehicles by 2026.
Source: Stadtwerke Erfurt