Van Hool launches new zero-emission bus line-up

Belgian bus manufacturer Van Hool has just launched a new model range of zero-emission public transport buses and coaches for local transport at the Paris European Mobility Expo. Bus manufacturer VanHool is a family business from Belgian Koningshooikt (near the city of Lier), 75 years old in 2022, and primarily builds vehicles for Europe and North America.

In the future, the manufacturer wants to further focus on high-tech products to make a difference with larger manufacturers that mainly operate in countries with lower labor costs. That is why Van Hool is launching a new model (A) range offering exclusively zero-emission buses that use electric propulsion and are powered by a battery, fuel cell, or trolley with a pantograph.

Diversification

The new electrically powered bus is available in different lengths (12 m, 13 m, 18 m, and 24 m) and can be powered by various modes (pantograph, battery, or fuel cell). According to Filip Van Hool, CEO of Van Hool: “The intention in designing the new A range was to come up with an eco-friendly bus range that can be used in urban and regional transport in Europe. These vehicles meet the challenges that public transport companies will face over the coming years. Our customers are focusing on greening their fleets, are pursuing zero emissions, and want a TCO (total cost of ownership) that makes these buses profitable. So we are more than ever ready to play a significant role in the European public transport market.”

Orders come in quickly

Even before these buses were officially launched, 13 important orders were already received for 163 buses. In addition, bus manufacturer Van Hool has already built 1 400 buses with electric drive, including hybrid models with an internal combustion engine.

At the end of 2020, the first ten pure electric battery-powered models (CX45E) were delivered to a customer in the US.