São Paulo is introducing 50 all-electric buses to its public transit system this Monday, as a step toward its larger goal of having 2,600 electric buses by 2024.
The city has a total fleet of 13,000 buses. Until now, only 18 were electric.
The new buses come from Eletra, a Brazilian company. Two models are available: one is 12.5 meters long, and the other is 15 meters.
Caio makes the bodies, and WEG the batteries. Enel X supplies the charging tech. Three companies, Ambiental, Transwollfe, and Transppass, will operate them.
These electric buses can prevent up to 118 tons of CO2 emissions yearly. They also make the city quieter.
This move is key to Brazil’s shift to green urban transit. More electric bus orders can boost local manufacturing and create jobs.
Ten different bus makers have received approval from SPTrans, the city’s transport agency. These include both local and international names.
They vie for the city’s daily ridership of 10 million people.
Carlos Eduardo Cardoso de Souza, a top executive at Enel X, says São Paulo will lead in electric bus numbers.
His firm invested $30 million for the charging stations. Enel X has a 12-year contract with the three bus companies.
Souza believes the goal of 2,600 electric buses is within reach. He hints at advanced talks for adding more buses soon.
Picking Bus Brand
In São Paulo, bus operators can pick the bus brand and charging method. They also choose their electricity supplier. This new demand allows them to enter the free energy market.
Switching to electric comes with a higher price tag but saves money in the long run. Electric buses cost around R$2.4 million ($500 thousand) each.
Diesel buses cost R$ 700,000. But electric ones are cheaper to maintain and fuel.
Yet challenges remain. The buses need to complete daily routes on a single charge. Some routes and steep roads also pose difficulties.
Current models run 220 to 250 kilometers before needing a recharge.
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This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief