IVECO BUS, a major player in the European market for sustainable mobility and innovative public transport solutions, officially delivered the first 15 hybrid electric Urbanway buses to STIB-MIVB (Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company).
This delivery follows the signing of a framework agreement last September for the supply of 141 vehicles, which should be completed by 2020.
Brussels, May 27th, 2019
Stéphane Espinasse, IVECO BUS Brand Leader, officially delivered the first 15 articulated hybrid electric Urbanway buses from a total order of 141 vehicles to Brieuc de Meeûs, CEO of STIB-MIVB. This symbolic event follows the signing of a five-year framework agreement last September and celebrates their introduction into the transport network. The deliveries will take place over two years, with a first instalment of 75 vehicles by September, followed by a second batch during the first half of 2020.
Particularly environmentally friendly, the hybrid Urbanway combines excellent accessibility and high passenger capacity. Its low floor improves passenger flow management. Its comfort zone dedicated to vulnerable users and modular areas can accommodate a wheelchair or children’s pushchairs. And it offers high passenger capacity of up to 103.
Offering genuine economic and environmental advantages, it drastically reduces harmful emissions and fuel consumption. This vehicle combines an electric traction system with a Euro VI engine and latest-generation energy storage system to provide a cleaner mobility solution, whilst maintaining performance. The powertrain management system optimizes fuel consumption and emissions, whilst recovering and storing the kinetic energy released under braking.
In addition, the “Arrive & Go” function enables operation in 100% electric mode with zero emissions when approaching and leaving bus stops and traffic lights. Fuel consumption per vehicle is reduced by 30% and CO2 emissions can also be reduced by up to 30% compared with diesel buses, equating to a 35-ton reduction of CO2 per year - the equivalent weight of two buses, which is not discharged into the atmosphere each year. Its Tector 7 286hp engine produced by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of CNH Industrial, which is compatible with second generation HVO biofuel, enhances this performance still further. Carbon emissions can thus be reduced by up to 90% compared with a standard diesel engine.
In addition, its silent operation provides an immediate benefit in terms of comfort for passengers, the driver and residents.
“We are delighted to see the introduction of these first vehicles. This delivery is the first stage in a successful transition to sustainable mobility for STIB-MIVB and IVECO BUS is proud to be a key partner in this process, and to see its expertise and leadership recognized in the service of Brussels and its residents. They are clearly on the path to electromobility.” added Stéphane Espinasse, IVECO BUS Brand Leader, at the end of the ceremony.
The Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB-MIVB) is the leading Belgian public urban transport company. It serves 19 municipalities in the Brussels region as well as 11 more on the outskirts, covering a total area of 241.5 km². It provides a transport service for over 1,100,000 residents as well as thousands of commuters. The STIB-MIVB network consists of four metro lines, 17 tram lines, 50 bus lines and 11-night bus lines. Based on initial estimates, in 2018 STIB-MIVB was responsible for more than 417 million journeys.
