Falkensee runs electric: Havelbus reduces emissions and traffic congestion!

Falkensee runs electric: Havelbus reduces emissions and traffic congestion!

Things are moving forward in Falkensee - electric buses are now an integral part of local public transport and are very popular with passengers. Marcus Grapentin, bus driver at Havelbus Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH, reports on the first ten electric buses that went into service in autumn 2022. These zero-emission vehicles travel on a network that includes Falkensee, Potsdam, Hennigsdorf, Nauen and even Berlin. An important point: These buses are significantly quieter than their diesel-powered predecessors, which is very much appreciated by passengers.

But what happens when it hits the streets? To ensure that the electric buses are clearly audible when starting, they must imitate a motor-like noise that can be heard at speeds of up to 20 km/h. According to site manager Peter Wilke, there is high demand among drivers for the new electric models. In order to be optimally prepared for the technology, 52 drivers received comprehensive training. And good news for all those who are concerned about the range of buses: So far, no bus has been stranded because of empty batteries. With a range of up to 400 kilometers, the electric buses are ideally equipped for your daily operations.

Another step into the future

In order to further optimize the range, the consumption values ​​are tested under various conditions. The longest route that has been covered so far is almost 200 kilometers, including empty runs. Workshop manager Marcel Seidendorf, who also took on driving services with electric buses in order to gain experience, also sees it that way. Together with the recent training for the workshop staff, the employees are well prepared.

Of course, the charging points should not be forgotten either: There are currently 18 charging points available in Falkensee for the ten electric buses. Ten more electric buses are to be put into service by the end of 2025 to gradually replace the older diesel buses. This initiative is supported by the Havelland district with an investment of over three million euros.

Forward planning

The Havelbus transport company has committed itself to big goals. From September 2024, ten new electric buses are expected to be introduced each year until 2026 in order to achieve fully electric operation in the long term. Managing director Janko Wokon explained that the experiences gained in Falkensee should serve as a basis for further planning in local transport throughout Havelland. The bus hall will also be remodeled to accommodate maintenance of these technological marvels.

The electric buses come from the Chinese manufacturer BYD, which produces the models in Hungary. The manufacturer has established itself as a market leader in electric vehicle production and sold almost 4,000 electric cars in Germany last year. In the long term, the district and the Havelbus transport company plan to equip other regions in Havelland with low-emission buses. The electric buses not only represent local improvements, but could also play a pioneering role in the region and thus create environmentally friendly mobility for the future.

The development shows: There is really something going on here in Falkensee when it comes to sustainable mobility! Citizens can look forward to the next steps in the transformation of local public transport.