This morning marked the official presentation of SVT’s new electric buses, signaling the start of an electric revolution in Vicenza’s public transportation system.
The first six buses, which entered service in mid-December, are assigned to Line 10 CentroBus, connecting the Stadio parking lot to the historic city center.
Measuring 8.3 meters in length, these buses can accommodate up to 44 passengers (19 standing, 25 seated, plus the driver).
Equipped with lithium-ion batteries boasting a capacity of 340 kilowatts, they offer an impressive range of approximately 300 km, enough to complete a full shift without needing intermediate recharges.
Each bus on Line 10 is expected to cover about 40,000 km annually.
By March, an additional four 12-meter-long full-electric buses will join the fleet.
These larger vehicles will accommodate up to 85 passengers (28 seated and 57 standing) and will serve Vicenza’s regular urban routes.
Environmental Benefits and Charging Infrastructure
The environmental impact is significant, with an estimated annual reduction of 60 tons of CO2 emissions per electric bus compared to equivalent combustion-engine buses.
The charging system is currently overnight plug-in, using mobile 30 kilowatts charging carts for the initial six vehicles.
However, plans are already in place for a dedicated charging station at the Via Fusineri facility. This station will feature a one megawatt medium-voltage transformer and state-of-the-art control and management systems to support fleet expansion.
The total investment for the ten electric buses and the supporting charging infrastructure amounts to 7.4 million euros, funded through Next Generation EU funds under the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) as part of Measure M2C2 – Intervention 4.4.1 “Green Revolution and Ecological Transition – Renewal of Green Bus and Train Fleets.”
A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility
Mayor Giacomo Possamai emphasized the importance of making public transport more attractive.
“Introducing these new vehicles is just the first step. They are not only more efficient but also more aesthetically pleasing,” he stated.
“The real environmental revolution in Vicenza will come in a couple of years with the introduction of the BRT system. This will connect the city’s main east-west axis with an electric transportation system, similar to what happened in Padua with their tram,” he added.
Cristiano Spiller, the city’s Public Works and Mobility Councillor, highlighted the broader vision: “We are committed to an efficient, competitive, and eco-friendly public transportation system. Investments in cutting-edge technologies and electric vehicles equipped with advanced safety features are fundamental to achieving this goal.”
“By 2028, Vicenza’s first BRT line, featuring on-stop electric charging and extensive dedicated lanes, will represent a major step forward in sustainability and urban mobility,” he added.
Advancing the Future of Public Transport in Vicenza
Marco Sandonà , President of SVT, expressed the transformative impact of the new buses: “These vehicles usher SVT and Vicenza’s public transportation system into a new era.”
“They will significantly reduce emissions in urban areas, improving air quality and the overall quality of life for our citizens. The buses are also extremely quiet and comfortable, enhancing the travel experience,” he aded.
The new electric buses also feature state-of-the-art safety equipment, including:
- Peripheral vision systems
- Obstacle detection and blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance
- A comprehensive system of internal and external cameras, standard across all SVT vehicles.
Vicenza is now firmly on the path to sustainable mobility, setting a precedent for integrating environmentally friendly and advanced public transportation solutions.
