BVG Withdraws 90 Electric Buses Due to Structural Flaws

The Berlin public transport operator, BVG, has temporarily removed 90 electric buses from service following the discovery of structural issues. The affected vehicles, supplied by the Dutch manufacturer Ebusco and delivered in 2022, were found to have frame cracks during routine inspections. The majority of these buses are currently out of operation as a precautionary measure while repairs are being organized under manufacturer warranty provisions.

According to BVG, the detection of these flaws was part of regular maintenance checks. Upon identification, the decision was made to sideline the vehicles until repairs could be completed, ensuring passenger safety and compliance with operational standards. The manufacturer, Ebusco, is contractually obliged to address the defects. However, Ebusco is reportedly facing significant financial difficulties, having recently secured a EUR5.1 million bridge loan to maintain its production and delivery commitments. This financial strain raises concerns about the timeline and efficiency of the necessary repairs.

Industry reports indicate that Ebusco has encountered challenges beyond Berlin, with delays in production leading to lost contracts in Switzerland and Sweden. The company's ongoing financial instability is a point of concern for both current clients and stakeholders in the electric mobility sector.

The withdrawal of these buses has had tangible effects on Berlin's public transportation network. Passengers have experienced changes in bus configurations on busy routes, with smaller buses replacing the usual articulated vehicles on some lines. To mitigate service disruptions, BVG has postponed the planned retirement of older buses and has temporarily leased up to 20 vehicles, particularly for substitute services on routes impacted by ongoing infrastructure projects such as the extended closure of the U-Bahn section between Kurt-Schumacher-Platz and Tegel for renovations.

BVG's broader strategy to convert its fleet to battery-electric vehicles by 2030 has also been adjusted in light of these operational and infrastructural challenges. Previous plans to fully electrify the fleet have been scaled back, with estimates now suggesting that only two-thirds of the fleet will be electric by the end of the decade. Delays in building new depots designed for electric buses have contributed to these revised projections. Two such facilities are not expected to be operational before 2027, reflecting the complexity of integrating electric vehicles into large-scale urban transit systems.

The Ebusco buses, particularly those in the 2.2 series, had initially been seen as a major advancement for Berlin's public transport due to their extended battery range, purportedly allowing up to 290 kilometers of operation on a single charge. This technological promise was a key factor in their acquisition. However, the emergence of structural defects has underscored the challenges associated with rapid adoption of new electric mobility solutions.

Both BVG and Ebusco have stated their commitment to resolving the situation promptly. A joint plan for repairs is reportedly in development, though specific timelines remain uncertain due to the manufacturer's financial constraints. In the meantime, BVG continues to manage fleet availability to maintain reliable service levels for passengers across the city.