Local Electric Bus Innovation Ready for Road
Hungary has taken a significant step towards sustainable transportation with the unveiling of the Electronell 18, the country’s first locally manufactured electric articulated bus. The Kravtex-Kühne Group and Volánbusz presented the innovative bus at a ceremony in Budapest, showcasing the country’s commitment to modernizing its public transport fleet.
The Electronell 18, part of the Credobus Electronell family, is a lightweight and energy-efficient vehicle with a tare weight of 16 tons—making it lighter than other comparable models. This reduced weight allows for a smaller battery pack, resulting in 25% less energy consumption and lower operational costs.
Manufactured in Mosonmagyaróvár and Győr, the Electronell 18 boasts a high domestic production value, with its chassis, system integration, and software development all done in-house. This approach has allowed for the involvement of local suppliers in the production process.
István Krankovics, Managing Director of Kravtex, expressed optimism about starting series production soon, which would not only safeguard 500 jobs but also benefit approximately 100 domestic suppliers. Volánbusz, Hungary’s leading public transport operator, plans to test the Electronell 18 on its routes by early 2025.
László Kormányos, Deputy General Manager for Technical and Operations at MÁV-Start and Volánbusz, emphasized the importance of testing innovative, locally developed vehicles. Volánbusz has been actively modernizing its fleet, with nearly 40% of its buses replaced in the past six years, including the addition of 102 electric buses.
The debut of the Electronell 18 marks a significant milestone in Hungary’s e-mobility journey, highlighting the country’s progress in sustainable transportation. This initiative not only paves the way for greener public transport systems but also contributes to the economy and innovation capabilities of Hungary.
