The Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (MITMA) has approved the allocation of 400 million euros in European funds under the framework of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
These funds have been earmarked for the autonomous communities and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla with the aim of promoting the decarbonization of professional road transport.
However, Jordi Monferrer, Commercial Director of Car-Bus.net, asserts to Mobility Portal Group:
“The customer must pay the vehicle’s cost upfront, and from there, the government takes responsibility for the reimbursement. But 11 months have passed, and the transporters have still not received their payments.“
He contends, “If the additional cost of electric vehicles were supported by the government, 20% of the fleet would be electric.“
Due to the lack of incentives and the high cost of these products, the transition towards electric vehicle adoption is facing obstacles.
According to Monferrer, when a transporter seeks to benefit from the subsidy, it is “practically impossible” to meet all the necessary requirements to access it.
“Out of the 100 operations we initiated, only 18 are ongoing due to the lack of assurance provided by the subsidies,” he points out.
In addition to this challenge, operators face other obstacles, such as a shortage of trained technicians to carry out post-sale technical service.
“In general, there is a shortage of human teams with proper training,” he explains.
Furthermore, there is a shortage of bus drivers.
According to a report by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), there are currently 105,000 vacant positions in Europe.
This accounts for 10% of the total number of professional drivers, representing a 54% increase since 2022.
These statistics highlight a low influx of young individuals into the profession compared to the high number of retiring older drivers.
Therefore, the General Director of Car-Bus.net believes that it is crucial not only to adapt vehicles for service but also to “train drivers” to operate these new vehicles.
Additionally, there is a lack of training and information dissemination in the sector.
“There is a high degree of ignorance regarding the purchase of electric vehicles, which creates some ‘fear’ in buyers,” he states.
About Car-Bus.net
The Spain-based company is engaged in the production and sale of electric minibuses.
In October 2014, Car-Bus.net unveiled its first 100% electric vehicle at the International Bus and Coach Show held in Madrid.
Since then, the company has continued to advance in the development of zero-emission vehicles, with two models standing out in particular.
The eURBAN represents the ideal solution for modern and sustainable urban mobility.
This minibus has a power of 140 kWh, providing it with a maximum range of 300 kilometers.
Additionally, it offers seating for up to 21 passengers, with 15 seats and space for seven standing passengers.
On the other hand, the eSHUTTLE is specifically designed for the functional transportation of 19 passengers.
It distinguishes itself with a power of 120 kWh, granting it a maximum range of 265 kilometers.
In their strong commitment to sustainable mobility, Car-Bus.net is a member of the Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (AEDIVE) and the LIVE platform.
Currently, the company is a VanPartner of Mercedes, the electric chassis supplier Zeroid from Barcelona, and the Italian manufacturer Rampini.
Their clientele includes both public entities, which they access through tenders, as well as operators and transport companies that provide services to municipalities.
To date, the company has marketed a total of 22 electric minibuses, with 12 in Madrid, eight in Barcelona, and the rest in various national cities.
