Hessen relies on electric buses: Clean local transport for the future!

Hessen relies on electric buses: Clean local transport for the future!

Hessen, Deutschland - Future -related development in local public transport is emerging in Hesse. On June 6, 2025, an EBUS workshop took place on behalf of the Hessian Ministry of Transport, which was organized by the state initiative "moved electricity". The event was used to exchange experts about alternative drive technologies in local public transport (public transport). Transport Minister Kaweh Mansori emphasized the need to implement climate -friendly solutions in order to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution. There are currently over 200 buses with alternative drives in Hesse, over 90 percent of them electrically with a battery, while a few hydrogen drives use. Hessen has funded the industry with 52 million euros since 2017 to support this development.

In the area of ​​electric buses, Hessen pursues the goal of implementing the European Clean Vehicle Directive (CVD), which prescribes minimum rates for low -emission commercial vehicles in public procurement. By 2025, at least 45 percent of newly procured buses should be low in emissions or free. This guideline is also supported by the federal government, as announced at an e-bus conference in March 2023, in which 1,033 new e-buses for Germany are to be funded. The aim is even that every second city bus in Germany will drive electrically by 2030.

funding programs and challenges

The Hessian Ministry of Transport promotes the introduction of alternative drives through various programs, including the e-bus funding directive. So far, 66 electric buses, 90 charging points and a hydrogen filling station have been supported. Municipalities and transport companies have the opportunity to continue to apply for grants for electric buses. The aim of these initiatives is to create a modern and environmentally friendly local transport system in Hesse.

Nevertheless, many municipalities face challenges. According to statements from representatives responsible for local transport, there are concerns about financial burdens and the necessary infrastructure. For example, Birgit Münster-Rendel from Magdeburg transport companies expressed that the support available was not sufficiently taken into account. Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern also faces financial difficulties to convert on electric buses.

the role of alternative drives

The promotion of alternative drives is not only an economic, but also an ecological necessity. In 2021, over 148 million tons of CO2 equivalents were emitted in Germany by the transport sector. A switch to environmentally friendly buses can contribute significantly to reduce these emissions. The current inventory of e-buses in Germany is 1,847, with most battery operations being. In an international comparison, Germany takes a pioneering role, but still has a long way to achieve the given goals for reducing pollutants and to dependence on energy imports.

The combination of battery -electric and hydrogen -powered buses is considered the key to more environmentally friendly public transport. Planning cities like Cologne to implement Europe's largest hydrogen bus fleet with 160 fuel cell buses by 2025.

With the progressive electrification and the introduction of new drive technologies, Hessen becomes a pioneer in the transformation of local public transport, while at the national level the targets remain ambitious. The challenges that these developments bring with it require close cooperation between municipalities, transport companies and politics to ensure future -proof mobility in Germany.

The measures to promote established drive technologies in public transport are part of a more comprehensive plan that also takes into account social and economic aspects. A clean, modern and sustainable transport system is viewed as a basic pillar to achieve the climate goals and to increase the quality of life in urban rooms.

For further information on the developments in Hesse and public transport, you can report the reporting on the websites of Bdew and research information system