"Groundbreaking transit innovation: Bavaria's inaugural electric bus graces European roads"
In a groundbreaking moment for sustainable transportation, Scharf Travel, a renowned German travel company, has inaugurated Europe's first electric intercity bus in Tittenkofen, Erding district. The bus, named TZ-S eCoach, is more powerful than its diesel predecessor, boasting an electric drive of 410 kilowatts (around 557 hp).
The project, which saw a diesel bus converted into an electric intercity bus, was supported by local banks and authorities. VR-Bank Erding and Taufkirchen, and Sparkasse Erding provided backing for the electric bus initiative. Scharf Travel has also received funding from the federal and state governments, totalling around 4.7 million euros.
Martin Scharf, one of the company's managing directors, had envisioned the practicality of electric intercity buses years ago. His vision is now a reality, as Scharf Travel plans to operate 18 electric buses as city buses in Erding by the end of 2024.
The non-flammable battery of the electric coach allows for an impressive range of up to 500 kilometers. At suitable charging points, such as on the company premises, the bus can be fully charged in two hours.
The electric bus project is a testament to Scharf Travel's commitment to sustainability. The company has installed a photovoltaic system of 4500 square meters on its two newly built bus ports, supplying 17 charging points and 12 fast-charging stations with electricity.
The federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schnieder (CDU), sent a video message, emphasizing the pioneering nature of the electric bus project. Mayor Hans Wiesmaier (CSU) praised the company's ability to think big while not forgetting the small things.
Before the unveiling, a tech talk and a politics talk, including with MP Andreas Lenz (CSU), took place. Diakon Christian Pastötter then performed the ceremonial blessing of the vehicle.
The company's leaders thanked their most important customers, such as Munich Airport GmbH and BMW, for using their coaches. Ulrike Scharf, deputy minister-president, recalled that her father, Father Hans Scharf, had always taught his children to "Think 20 years ahead." This ethos seems to have guided Scharf Travel in their innovative electric bus project.
Despite the challenges in financing the project, Scharf Travel's managing directors remain optimistic about the future of electric transportation. As manufacturers gear up to offer electric intercity buses in one to two years, Scharf Travel is already leading the way in Europe.
Read also:
- Tesla is reportedly staying away from the solid-state battery trend, as suggested by indications from CATL and Panasonic.
- Review of the 2025 Lamborghini Revuelto: Blazing Beasts on Wheels
- California links 100,000 home storage batteries through its Virtual Power Plant program.
- Financial regulatory body examines potential instability of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and cryptocurrencies as they approach a significant growth milestone, known as "critical mass".
