Rendsburg-Eckernförde: Seven new electric buses are heading into the green future!

Rendsburg-Eckernförde: Seven new electric buses are heading into the green future!

The mobility transition has gained momentum in Germany, and Rendsburg-Eckernförde impressively shows what the future of local public transport can look like. On June 16, 2025, Ebusco will deliver five electric buses to Autokraft GmbH. These are the first electric articulated buses in the fleet and, with an impressive range of around 550 kilometers, will take passengers around the region emission-free and quietly. The new buses are the 18-meter version of the Ebusco 2.2 model, which has a battery capacity of more than 500 kWh.

But it's not just electromobility that is on the rise. In addition, two H2.City Gold hydrogen buses, manufactured by CaetanoBus, will be introduced. These offer a range of up to 590 kilometers and are equipped with H2 tanks that have a capacity of 37.5 kilograms of hydrogen. The special thing about it: The fuel cell of the hydrogen buses comes from Toyota. They are refueled at a GP Joule filling station in Kiel, where the hydrogen is obtained from regional production.

Progress in the fleet

DB Regio Bus Nord is aiming for comprehensive electrification of its fleet - around 10% of the buses are already emission-free. The support from two funding packages from the Federal Ministry of Transport, which total around 16 million euros, offers a helpful boost. Since 2022, 40 electric and two fuel cell buses have been put into service, in addition to the expansion of the charging infrastructure and workshops.

In total, DB Regio Bus Nord consists of five bus companies spread across Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and Bremen. An important step in promoting environmentally friendly mobility in the region. In addition to Rendsburg-Eckernförde, the Ruhrbahn is also continuing to develop its bus fleet. A technology change to emission-free bus transport is being pushed forward here, with the first trial operation of hydrogen-powered buses starting in March 2025 in Essen and Mülheim.

A look beyond the borders

Switching to hydrogen as a drive technology is a major goal that is driving many regions in Germany. In Essen, for example, 19 hydrogen buses have already been ordered. This is in line with EU regulations, which stipulate an increased quota for low-emission or zero-emission buses. By the end of 2025, 45% of the newly purchased buses should be emission-free, and by 2030 this quota will even be increased to 65%. The new hydrogen buses also offer modern comfort such as full air conditioning and advanced driver assistance systems.

The developments in local public transport are not only technical progress, but also an important step towards climate protection. With a clear focus on sustainability and the support of funding programs, the future of public transport is promising and could also provide a breath of fresh air in Cologne and the surrounding area.