IVECO BUS and STIB-MIVB welcome the introduction of the first hybrid electric Urbanway buses from a total order of 141 vehicles

Tuesday 28th May 2019

Stéphane Espinasse, IVECO BUS Brand Leader, has officially delivered the first 15 articulated hybrid electric Urbanway buses from a total order of 141 vehicles to Brieuc de Meeûs, CEO of STIB-MIVB.

The symbolic event followed the signing of a five-year framework agreement last September.

The deliveries will take place over two years, with a first instalment of 75 vehicles by September 2019, followed by a second batch during the first half of 2020.

Particularly environmentally friendly, the hybrid Urbanway combines excellent accessibility and a high passenger capacity of up to 130. Its low floor improves passenger flow management, while its comfort zone is dedicated to vulnerable users, with modular areas for wheelchairs or children’s pushchairs.

Offering genuine economic and environmental advantages, the hybrid Urbanway drastically reduces harmful emissions and fuel consumption. It combines an electric traction system with a Euro VI engine and latest-generation energy storage system to provide a cleaner mobility solution, whilst maintaining performance.

The powertrain management system optimises fuel consumption and emissions, whilst recovering and storing the kinetic energy released under braking.

In addition, the “Arrive & Go” function enables operation in 100 per cent electric mode with zero emissions when approaching and leaving bus stops and traffic lights.

Fuel consumption per vehicle is reduced by 30 per cent and CO₂ emissions can also be reduced by up to 30 per cent compared with diesel buses, equating to a 35-tonne reduction of CO₂ per year – the equivalent weight of two buses, which is not discharged into the atmosphere.

Its Tector 7 286hp engine is produced by FPT Industrial, the powertrain brand of CNH Industrial, which is compatible with second generation HVO biofuel, enhancing performance still further and reducing carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with a standard diesel engine.

In addition, its silent operation provides an immediate benefit in terms of comfort for passengers, the driver and residents.

“We are delighted to see the introduction of these first vehicles. This delivery is the first stage in a successful transition to sustainable mobility for STIB-MIVB. IVECO BUS is proud to be a key partner in this process and to see its expertise and leadership recognised in the service of Brussels and its residents. They are clearly on the path to electromobility,” said Espinasse.

STIB-MIVB is the leading Belgian public urban transport company. It serves 19 municipalities in the Brussels region as well as 11 more on the outskirts, covering a total area of 241.5 km². It provides a transport service for over 1,100,000 residents as well as thousands of commuters.

The STIB-MIVB network consists of four metro lines, 17 tram lines, 50 bus lines and 11-night bus lines. Based on initial estimates, in 2018 STIB-MIVB was responsible for more than 417 million journeys.