Emission-free buses: Luxembourg converts all public transport to electric traction
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By 2026, the City of Luxembourg plans to complete the full electrification of the AVL bus fleet, and by 2030 electrification will cover the entire RGTR intercity network. This was announced by the Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, in response to two parliamentary requests from MP Marc Goergen.
Today, the city operator AVL has 126 buses at its disposal, of which 37 are already electric. In 2025, 15 more standard electric buses and 30 articulated buses will arrive, so that 65 per cent of the fleet will be electric by the end of this year. Procurement continues: the goal is to completely replace diesel buses with electric buses by the end of 2026.
The cost of a standard electric bus ranges from 600 to 860 thousand euros, depending on battery capacity and options. An articulated bus costs between 900,000 and 1.1 million euros. The total budget for electrification is estimated at 93.3-122.5 million euros. However, the minister emphasises that these costs are partially offset by the fact that the buses would have to be replaced in 8-10 years anyway.
The entire charging infrastructure is paid for by the city: 30 charging stations have already been installed at the Hollerich depot and 7 more at final stops.
The RGTR intercity bus network operates the largest bus fleet in the country with 1,253 vehicles (excluding school transport). As of 2024, the fleet already has 435 electric buses, which is 40 per cent of the total, compared to 321 a year earlier.
The government is introducing tough standards: from contracts 2027-2030, operators will only be able to offer electric buses. The plan calls for a phased reduction in the share of diesel:
- in 2025 - 57 per cent diesel
- в 2026 - 52%
- In 2027, it's already 50%/50% with electricity.
- and by 2030, 100 per cent electric buses.
This transformation is not just a technological modernisation, but also an element of Luxembourg's climate strategy. The authorities are focusing on emission reductions and sustainable mobility. Thanks to new framework contracts, it will be easier to monitor technical performance and environmental parameters.
