"Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe ( KVB) has placed an order for 78 electric buses with Jebsen & Jessen e-Mobility, representing the Spanish manufacturer I rizar e-mobility in the DACH area. The procurement includes 38 articulated buses and 40 standard buses, making it the largest single bus order in the company's history. First deliveries are scheduled for October 2026, KVB states in a press note. With this addition, KVB's electric fleet will comprise two brands: the 118 VDL buses already in operation (the latest order with the Dutch manufacturer dates back to 2021) and the newly ordered 78 Irizar buses."
"The partnership of Irizar with Jebsen & Jessen e-Mobility, extends beyond delivery to after-sales support, KVB underlines. The dedicated service team for KVB is based in Essen and will work alongside the operator's experts during fleet introduction. The order follows a Europe-wide tender procedure conducted between September 2024 and September 2025, with eight manufacturers submitting bids. The acquisition is supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which covers 60 percent of the additional cost of electric buses compared to diesel vehicles under §13 of the state's public transport law."
Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe ordered 78 electric buses from Jebsen & Jessen e-Mobility representing Irizar e-mobility, comprising 38 articulated and 40 standard buses. First deliveries are scheduled for October 2026. The new vehicles create a two-brand electric fleet alongside 118 VDL buses, mirroring the former diesel-era mixed-brand strategy. Once in service, nearly two-thirds of KVB's own bus fleet will be electric and zero-emission bus share in the overall network will approach 50 percent including subcontractors. A new Porz depot accommodates over 100 e-buses. After-sales support and a dedicated Essen service team will assist fleet introduction. North Rhine-Westphalia funds 60 percent of additional electric costs under §13.
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