The EIB and Société Générale are co-financing Qbuzz with €70 million to establish one of the Netherlands‘ largest battery-electric bus fleets. This funds 275 electric buses for the Zuid-Holland Noord concession (e.g., Leiden, Gouda), replacing diesel vehicles. The project aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions, boost public transport appeal, and enhance European energy independence. It also covers expanding charging infrastructure and grid connections. Qbuzz’s zero-emission efforts, which include procuring buses from Yutong due to European supply issues and exploring green hydrogen, have garnered international interest, with delegations visiting from several countries to learn from their approach.
The European Investment Bank has announced that its €70 million loan will be complemented by an equivalent financing package from Société Générale. With these funds, Qbuzz aims to operate one of the largest battery-electric bus fleets in the Netherlands and expand the charging infrastructure at its depots. This includes installing high-capacity grid connections.
The 275 battery-electric buses will be deployed under the Zuid-Holland Noord concession, serving cities such as Leiden, Alphen aan den Rijn, and Gouda. There, they will replace diesel buses and are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions from regional bus services. The initiative also aims to make public transport more attractive, encouraging a shift from private cars to buses and trains.
In addition to the vehicles, the financing covers the expansion of charging infrastructure, including the necessary grid connections at the depots. According to the EIB, the project will contribute to both the decarbonisation of transport and the strengthening of European energy independence. Qbuzz describes the electrification of its bus operations as a project attracting attention across Europe. The company states that delegations from several European countries, as well as Japan, Kenya, and India, have already visited to learn about its zero-emission bus fleet.
Since 2017, the Dutch company has been part of the Italian state railway Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and operates bus and rail services in multiple regions of the Netherlands. In 2025, the company transported over 112 million passengers, according to its own figures. Qbuzz has been advancing the electrification of its fleet for several years. Recently, the operator expanded its battery-electric bus fleet in Zuid-Holland with additional vehicles from the Chinese manufacturer Yutong. The decision was also influenced by supply issues faced by European manufacturers, as delays at Iveco and the insolvency of Van Hool had disrupted earlier procurement plans. In addition to battery-electric buses, Qbuzz is investing in the use of green hydrogen for public transport.
Hinweis: Externer Inhalt von https://www.electrive.com/2026/06/27/eib-backs-qbuzz-e-bus-fleet-with-e70-million/. Rechte bei den jeweiligen Urhebern. » Mehr… » Melden
