SMMT Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders : Finnish capital joins electric bus revolution

Helsinki has become the latest major city to introduce an electric bus network, with its first fleet of E-Buses going into service earlier this week.

The buses, which are the first fast-charging electric buses in Finland, are manufactured by coachbuilder Linkker using drivetrains from Finnish electric powertrain developer, Visedo. The electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and use significantly less energy than their diesel equivalents.

The E-Buses consume less than 0.7 kWh per kilometre, making them much more cost-effective than diesel buses.

'It's really exciting to see our technology in action so close to home,' said Visedo CEO Kimmo Rauma. 'Converting to electric buses will not only reduce emissions and tackle air pollution in the capital, but it's a great chance for people to experience the benefits of electric-powered transport in their everyday lives.'

The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority's (HSL) is committed to increasing the use of low-emissions vehicles and plans to power a third of its fleet with electricity by 2025. It's a vision strongly supported by the Mayor of Helsinki Jussi Pajunen.

'The ambitious goal of an electric bus fleet is vital for implementing Helsinki's vision on carbon neutral future,' he said.

Visedo's technology is already in use outside Finland, with projects in Sweden, China, Asian and South-East Asian markets.

Visedo also manufactures electric drivetrains for public transport in the marine sector. The company's technology will deliver power for the European Union's project to build the world's largest electric ferry as well as other electric passenger vessels in Europe and Asia. The EU's ambitious E-Ferry is one of the top five projects within the EU's Horizon 2020 initiative.