The city of Moscow in Russia is one that takes environmental conservation seriously. It recently demonstrated this by deploying its 1,000th electric bus, with a target of 2,200 by the end of next year.
Moscow’s 1,000th electric bus coincided with the 400th bought with funds raised through green bonds. Thanks to such bonds, the city can reduce pollution and further the discourse of environmental protection.
The first electric bus was launched in the city in 2018, with more than 60 million electric kilometers covered on 66 routes. More than 150 million passengers have enjoyed the zero-emission and quiet rides.
Moscow has installed more than 168 charging stations to support these battery-powered buses. It hopes to have 500 stations running by 2023.
The buses have the capacity for 85 people and are convenient to embark and disembark from. They are also fitted with a low floor and ramp for easy access for people with disabilities. Riders can charge their phones and watch content on media screens.
Moscow has also proven that electric buses can work throughout the year, even during the cold winter months that are often brutal on EV batteries. They have a temperature control mechanism to prevent them from getting too cold.
Moscow has stopped purchasing diesel-powered buses since last year and plans to add 600 more electric buses next year. When it reaches the 2,200th electric bus milestone, it means nearly 40 percent of its fleet is electric.
Renewable Brief 