Scania to Deliver 41 Electric Buses to Norway’s Tide Buss Fleet

Post by : Meena Rani

Scania, a leading global bus manufacturer, has reached an important milestone by introducing its first fully electric city and suburban buses for Norway. The company will supply 41 two-axle electric buses, each 12.2 meters long, to Tide Buss, one of Norway’s prominent bus operators. These buses are expected to start serving the people of Vestfold, Norway, in the summer of 2026.

This move is part of Norway’s larger plan to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner, more sustainable public transport options. By adopting electric buses, both Scania and Tide Buss aim to provide residents with a quieter, safer, and environmentally friendly way to travel.

A Big Step Towards Zero-Emission Transport

The introduction of these buses marks Scania’s official entry into Norway’s electric bus market. Norway has set ambitious targets to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and shifting to electric public transport is a major part of that plan. Scania’s new electric buses will help the country move closer to its goal of reducing pollution and supporting green energy solutions.

Tide Buss, known for its reliable public transport services, is taking a big step by updating its fleet with these electric buses. This decision reflects the growing importance of sustainability in everyday city life. For passengers, this means smoother rides, cleaner air, and less noise in urban areas.

Design and Passenger Comfort

The 41 electric buses are designed to be both comfortable and efficient. Each bus will have 39 fixed seats, along with three foldable seats for flexible seating arrangements. There will also be plenty of standing space to accommodate more passengers during busy hours.

The buses will feature two sets of doors – one at the front and one in the middle – to make boarding and leaving quick and smooth. These features ensure that passengers can travel safely and comfortably while maintaining efficient operations for the bus company.

Powerful and Efficient Electric Drive

These buses will use Scania’s advanced modular electric bus platform. Each bus will have a 230 kW electric motor combined with a two-speed gearbox. Energy will come from five battery packs totaling 520 kWh, with four batteries mounted on the roof and one at the rear floor level. This setup is designed to provide balanced energy use and allow the buses to run efficiently on both city and suburban routes.

The combination of powerful motors and high-capacity batteries ensures that the buses can cover long distances without frequent recharging. This makes them practical for daily use while keeping energy costs and environmental impact low.

Collaboration with Higher for Quality and Reliability

To ensure high-quality construction, Scania is collaborating with Higer, a respected bus body manufacturer. Higer has previously worked on Scania Touring coaches in Norway. For these electric buses, Higer will supply the bodywork, while Scania will provide the electric driveline technology.

This partnership ensures that the buses are not only sustainable but also safe, reliable, and designed to last. Together, Scania and Higer are creating a fleet that combines advanced technology with solid design and craftsmanship.

Maintenance and Support

Scania is committed to providing full service and maintenance support for these new buses. A dedicated service facility has been set up in Borgeskogen, Norway, where the buses will receive regular maintenance and check-ups. This ensures that the buses stay in top condition and operate smoothly throughout their service life.

By offering this support, Scania guarantees that Tide Buss can provide reliable public transport to passengers without interruptions. Regular maintenance also helps extend the life of the buses and keeps them energy-efficient.

Wider Impact on Public Transport

These electric buses are part of a larger modernization plan by Tide Buss to improve public transport while reducing its carbon footprint. The Vestfold contract is Tide Buss’s largest, covering over 11 million kilometers of travel over ten years. Around 235 electric buses and 420 employees will be involved in this project.

This significant initiative shows how Norway is leading the way in adopting electric mobility. The success of this project may inspire other regions in Norway and across Europe to switch to electric buses, contributing to cleaner air and more sustainable cities.

As cities worldwide face pollution and climate challenges, the transition to electric public transport is crucial. Scania’s delivery of 41 electric buses to Tide Buss demonstrates the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

With these buses operating in Vestfold, residents will experience cleaner, quieter, and more efficient public transport. This project is a positive example of how technology, collaboration, and environmental awareness can come together to make everyday travel more sustainable.

Scania, electric buses, Tide Buss, Norway, Vestfold, public transport