Arriva Group is introducing 16 new electric buses in Kladno, Czech Republic as part of its effort to phase out diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
The city of Kladno is located near Prague and is home to a purpose-built charging hub for electric buses.
This latest order represents the largest single purchase of electric buses in the Czech Republic to date.
The new fleet consists of SOR NS buses, which are manufactured locally. These include both a standard 12-metre model and an 18-metre articulated variant, the latter capable of carrying up to 149 passengers.
The buses are equipped with advanced traction batteries, offering faster charging, longer range, and improved battery life.
They have also been designed to enhance passenger comfort and accessibility, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, advanced air conditioning with heat pump technology, USB ports, and low floors.
Sian Leydon, Arriva Group’s Managing Director for Mainland Europe, said:The Czech Republic’s transition to electric buses is really gathering momentum, driving the country closer to a future where zero-emission public transport is the preferred option.
These new buses do more than just demonstrate our long-term commitment to the Czech Republic; they show we are serious about our ambition to be the best public transport provider in Europe. We’re improving air quality, enhancing the customer experience and making a great case for drivers leaving their cars at home.
The new charging hub for the electric buses was developed through Arriva’s collaboration with ČEZ ESCO and ČSAD MHD Kladno.
This facility is the most advanced of its kind in the Czech Republic. It is equipped with nine ultra-fast charging stands, each with a capacity of 150 kW.
The 10.2 million EUR investment in the electric buses and the initial charging hub has been partially funded by the EU’s Integrated Regional Operational Programme (IROP), with Arriva contributing 3.8 million EUR.
As Arriva continues to transition the city’s CNG and diesel buses to electric vehicles, additional charging hubs are planned for the future.
