BVG to Establish Electric Bus Depot in Berlin-Treptow

The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is set to construct a new depot specifically for electric buses in the Treptow-Köpenick district of Berlin, marking the first addition of such facilities in nearly six decades. The new depot is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will be located on Köpenicker Landstraße.

In a recent announcement, BVG officials revealed that a consortium of two companies has been commissioned for the construction project, with groundwork already underway. This development is considered a significant milestone towards enhancing operational stability and supporting the decarbonization of the bus fleet.

The planned depot will span approximately 44,000 square meters at the intersection of Minna-Todenhagen-Straße, featuring charging infrastructure designed to accommodate up to 200 electric buses, in addition to an administrative building and a service hall. Furthermore, preparations for a second electric bus depot are expected to commence soon in Marienfelde, while a third facility is also planned for Rummelsburger Landstraße in Treptow-Köpenick.

Currently, the BVG operates around 1,600 buses distributed across six existing depots. However, the rollout of electric buses has faced delays due to insufficient facilities. Beginning in early 2024, the BVG was compelled to scale back the procurement of new battery-powered buses due to the lack of appropriate depots. Unlike traditional diesel buses, electric buses require more space for parking and charging stations, as well as necessary safety clearances related to battery storage.

Looking ahead, the BVG aims to retrofit the six current depots to facilitate the full transition of its bus operations to environmentally friendly technologies. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of public transportation in the city.