Postbus tests 15-metre electric bus on regional routes

Postbus has begun testing a 15-metre electric bus on regional routes in Salzburg, ORF reported, as the operator prepares for a gradual shift away from diesel. The trial will run for nearly a week and a half in Flachgau and Tennengau.

The bus began carrying passengers in Austria for the first time on Tuesday morning, travelling from Friedburg in Upper Austria to Salzburg city. Driver Stefan Maislinger said buses on the route average 350 kilometres a day and that the electric vehicle should be able to cover the same distance as a diesel bus.

Stricter emissions standards for scheduled buses from 2029 are one reason for the planned move to electric power. Marc Sibral of manufacturer Solaris said the model is already in use in Scandinavia, where 600 are operating, and has been shown to cope with cold weather and hills. He expects electric and diesel buses to become closer in price, with rising diesel costs also contributing.

Charging infrastructure is a key challenge in rural areas, where buses may stay overnight at many different locations rather than returning to a central depot. Peter Hoeritsch of Postbus said this will require careful planning and investment. Paul Kaufmann, a spokesperson for the Salzburg Transport Association, said a plan for the fleet transition is being developed with operators and is due by the middle of next year.

Postbus expects to start operating electric scheduled buses within two years at the latest, with the rest of the fleet to change over gradually.