The year 2025 will be crucial for CUTCSA. In addition to the 200 units already on their way, the company plans to issue a new international tender, this time for the acquisition of 59 additional electric buses, aiming to reach a total fleet of 280 units by early 2026.
“This will allow us to meet our goal of electrifying around 25% of CUTCSA’s fleet, which by then will consist of 1,154 buses in total,” explains Fabián Cancela, CUTCSA’s General Manager.
As for the expectations for this upcoming tender, Cancela notes that no specific date has been set yet, as it all depends on the progress of the infrastructure works needed to house and charge the new vehicles.
“The idea is to take the necessary time to test the new products and ensure they meet the needs of our routes and users,” he elaborates.
Incorporating 200 new eBuses
In addition to the new tender, CUTCSA expects to complete the reception of 200 new electric units by 2025.
Of this figure, 100 will come from BYD and 100 from Higer, following a rigorous selection process that included proposals from Chinese, European, Brazilian, and Russian brands.
This fleet also includes suburban buses, allowing the company to electrify 75 per cent of its fleet on routes connecting the city with surrounding areas.
In line with this, Cancela highlights the importance of testing new brands and models, such as Higer, which offers “greater battery capacity and optimal performance on both urban and suburban routes.”
The buses from this brand, equipped with 383 kWh batteries, have been a resounding success, proving they can cover 100% of the routes on a single charge, a key factor in the board’s decision to continue with this brand.
Cancela confirms that part of the first batch of the first 200 eBuses will arrive in October 2024.
A total of 50 units will arrive, while the remainder is expected by June 2025.
“This is aligned with the progress of the charging infrastructure works, mainly at our José Añón plant, which is already equipped to receive the new units,” he explains.
Additionally, CUTCSA has won the tender to operate Montevideo’s tourist bus, which means the arrival of six 100 per cent electric units in the last quarter of 2024.
Charging infrastructure and specialized workshops
CUTCSA’s growing electric fleet is accompanied by a robust infrastructure development plan.
For example, the José Añón plant has the capacity to charge 170 electric buses simultaneously, while work is underway to equip other plants.
It is worth noting that the company has several plants throughout the city, including the Añón Plant, Islas Canarias Plant, Salgado Plant, Veracierto Plant, and Gronardo Plant.
Regarding the work with the national electric company, Cancela comments, “Our collaboration with UTE has been fundamental.”
He adds, “We have presented our roadmap up to 2040 so that UTE’s investments can be more accurate and efficient.”
Moreover, CUTCSA has positioned itself as an official maintenance workshop for the Higer and BYD brands, providing specialized services for both its own units and third parties that operate these brands.
“CUTCSA ensures the warranty maintenance of the vehicles,” Cancela adds.
With this strong commitment to electric mobility, CUTCSA is emerging as a regional example, not only because of the scale of its operations but also due to its focus on sustainability and its ability to adapt to future technological and energy demands.
International brands should pay close attention to these new tenders, as CUTCSA continues to seek innovative solutions to strengthen its electric fleet.
