This is thanks to the recent introduction of 100 electric buses. Together, they comprise the biggest zero-emissions bus fleet in Europe, which is scheduled to expand to a total of 258 electric buses by 2021.
Schiphol Airport and the surrounding area are part of the Amstelland-Meerlanden concession. Based on a study, the Amsterdam Transport Region and Schiphol airport decided to include the use of zero-emissions buses as a requirement in the invitation to tender. Schiphol airport subsequently financed and built the infrastructure for the charging points around the area.
The buses produced by VDL are 18 metres long and, depending on the exact type, have room for 117 or 120 passengers. They are in operation 24 hours a day and have a battery capacity of 170 kWh. When fully charged, the buses have a driving range of up to 80 kilometres, based on an assumed power usage of 2 kWh per kilometre.
Charging is effected by slow and fast charging points. Fast charging has a charging capacity of 450 kWh and takes no more than 15 to 25 minutes. Slow charging has a charging capacity of 30 kWh and takes from four to five hours.
Around 500 drivers have received special training on driving these zero-emission buses, including how to safely charge them.
