Flixbus running fully electric long distance coaches

[radamfi]

Flixbus are testing fully electric coaches in France and Germany.

https://www.flixbus.com/company/press-room/press-releases/flixbus-emobility-pilot

FlixBus, Europe’s largest long-distance mobility provider, is now investing in E-Mobility as the first company in the world to test E-Buses on their long-distance bus routes. Beginning in April, the first all-electric Flix-E-Buses will begin test operations with the premiere route between Paris and Amiens, France. The second Flix-E-Bus will hit the road between Hessen and Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in Summer 2018 as part of the German domestic network expansion for summer travelers.

 

[daikilo]

Given that Flixbus doesn't own or operate any of their coaches, I suspect they are not actually investing at all. Maybe they have agreed to the relevant operators leasing some or maybe they are just being short-term loaned.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Interesting to see the range of these vehicles: Paris-Amiens about 160km / 100 miles, or roughly London-Leicester.
The article quoted says "between Hessen and Baden-Württemberg" but no mention of which towns/cities in those states.

 

[Bletchleyite]

One thing about a coach (rather than a low floor bus) is that it has a huge volume of space under the floor, most of which, most of the time, isn't exactly full of luggage. That must make battery operation much easier to do.

 

[radamfi]

One thing about a coach (rather than a low floor bus) is that it has a huge volume of space under the floor, most of which, most of the time, isn't exactly full of luggage. That must make battery operation much easier to do.

That's the case on shorter routes, which is why the Oxford Tube and Hemel Hempstead Green Line are quite happy to accept bicycles. But for longer distance routes baggage capacity is a major consideration, hence the development of the "Interdeck" format which is primarily about increasing luggage space.

 

[Adlington]

The article quoted says "between Hessen and Baden-Württemberg" but no mention of which towns/cities in those states.

Between Frankfurt and Mannheim, according to this source

 

[Bletchleyite]

That's the case on shorter routes, which is why the Oxford Tube and Hemel Hempstead Green Line are quite happy to accept bicycles. But for longer distance routes baggage capacity is a major consideration, hence the development of the "Interdeck" format which is primarily about increasing luggage space.

Is it? I thought it was more about having seats for the full length without having to make it quite as tall as a decker.

 

[radamfi]

Is it? I thought it was more about having seats for the full length without having to make it quite as tall as a decker.

The Interdeck only offers a few more seats than a normal single decker, but has a lot more luggage capacity.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Between Frankfurt and Mannheim, according to this source

Thanks - at 84km, less than Paris-Amiens.