Belgium: Launch of ‘Zero Emission Urban Bus System’ Project Marks a Major Milestone for Greener Urban Transport

A major milestone for greener urban transport was reached today with the launch of the Zero Emission Urban Bus System (ZeEUS) project in Brussels.

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) is coordinating 40 partners (representing all categories of mobility stakeholders) on an innovative project to extend the fully electric solution to a wider part of European urban bus networks. Developing electric vehicles of large capacity and creating adequate charging infrastructure will facilitate the market update of electric buses in Europe.

Electricity as an alternative fuel source for road transport can help reduce air pollution, green house gas emissions and noise pollution.

As part of the 42-month demonstration project, different innovative technological solutions for electric buses will be demonstrated in eight cities: Barcelona, Bonn, Glasgow, London, Münster, Plzen, Stockholm and one city in Italy. ZeEUS’ analyses will be used to develop guidelines and tools to help stakeholders introduce electrified bus systems in other European cities. Leading manufacturers in bus electrification will participate with plug-in hybrids or full electric buses using different charging infrastructure and strategies.

As the coming years will see many pilots, demonstrations and the purchase of electric vehicles, an Observatory will be established to discuss the progress of bus system electrification in Europe and contribute to electric bus fleet deployment strategies.

“Electricity as a fuel source has been identified as one of the most promising alternative fuels for transport and its application in urban buses is already gaining ground,” said UITP President, Sir Peter Hendy CBE. “As one of the largest electromobility projects ever funded by the European Commission, a project coordinated by UITP, it is a significantly important moment for us and our members”.