Vienna electric double-decker: Big Bus Tours is doubling its fleet by the end of 2025!

Vienna electric double-decker: Big Bus Tours is doubling its fleet by the end of 2025!

Environmentally friendly mobility is making great progress in the federal capital. electrive.net reports that Big Bus Tours, a renowned sightseeing provider from London, already has ten electric double-decker buses in Vienna. By the end of 2025, the electric fleet will grow to a total of 16 vehicles. This positive development is supported with a grant of around 1.2 million euros from Austria.

But that's not all! Next year, Big Bus Tours plans to expand its fleet with another 40 electric buses. These new purchases include 20 models from the Chinese manufacturer Ankai, which will be used in both Vienna and Paris. In addition, 20 existing combustion buses in London will be converted to electric drive, which will be carried out by the company Equipmake. With this expansion, Big Bus Tours' total electric fleet will grow to 51 vehicles, representing more than 10 percent of the global fleet.

Funding and future prospects

Particular attention is paid to the “BigBus goes electric” project, which is supported by the Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The next round of funding as part of the eMove Austria program starts on September 10, 2025 and focuses on electric buses and their charging infrastructure. More than 80 million euros are available here, with 60 percent of the additional cost of an e-bus compared to conventional vehicles as well as the costs of the charging infrastructure being funded.

These developments are in line with the increasing demands for sustainable transport solutions. HEERO's offer, which offers conversion of existing vehicles to electric drives, is also interesting. For example, Mercedes-Benz Sprinters can be completely converted without having to change the chassis or interior. The range of these converted vehicles is up to 425 kilometers, which makes them ideal for many daily operations.

With these initiatives, those responsible in Vienna are sending a strong signal for a greener future. electrive.com highlights that the new buses are not only more environmentally friendly, but also feature a new color design that underlines the commitment to sustainability. Pat Waterman, Executive Chairman of Big Bus Tours, is optimistic about these investments in the electric future and the associated reduction in carbon footprint.

Overall, Vienna shows that it is taking a step forward in terms of electromobility with concrete measures and ambitious projects. With the expansion of the e-fleet and the accompanying funding, the city is at the forefront of sustainable transport projects in Europe. The course has been set for a green future and the people of Vienna can look forward to environmentally friendly and innovative transportation.

For more information about conversion funding and other initiatives to promote electromobility, visit heero-motors.de.