Electric Solos for Sweden

Swedish operator, Karlstadsbuss, is now running three Optare Solo electric buses on centre services 11, 12 and 13 in Karlstad. According to Optare, the buses save about 80% energy when compared to an equivalent diesel or gas bus. The electricity used to power the vehicles is generated by Karlstad energy. The 9.2m Optare Solo EVs used on the routes have 25 seats, a wheelchair bay, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and ‘Bus TV’. The buses will be charged overnight plus a 15 minute fast charge during driver breaks every two hours. The fast charging station is still under construction and is expected to be completed during July. The buses will therefore be gradually phased into the regular traffic during the summer.

Head of Karlstadsbuss, Mattias Bergh, said, ‘As more people choose public transport, we saw a need to acquire more buses. As the larger gas fuelled buses were needed on the heavier lines, we saw an opportunity to use smaller buses on the centre lines. Electric technology proved to be a viable and competitive alternative.’