This panel is composed of bus operators with large ZEB fleets, with both FCBs and BEBs, and bus OEMs aiming to discuss the current vehicle performances of  This panel is composed of bus operators with large ZEB fleets, with both FCBs and BEBs, and bus OEMs aiming to discuss the performance of zero emission buses compared to diesel buses. Safety, training, and maintenance will also be covered in the panel.  

Translink has experience in deploying both BEBs and FCBs in Northern Ireland, and will moderate the discussions. 

Van Hool has already built more than 1,400 electrically powered buses and coaches in various complex designs: battery-electric, hybrid, hydrogen and trolley and recently launched the world’s first 100% battery-electric double-decker coach. From high voltage battery packs and electric powertrains to eAxles and fuel cells,  

Accelera is the new brand for Cummins’ New Power business segment. By sharing real-world data and case studies, Van Hool and Accelera will delve into the current and expected operational capabilities and environmental impact of zero-emission buses. 

Qbuzz, a Dutch public transport operator with a fleet of 1,000 buses, has integrated battery-electric and hydrogen buses since 2014. In partnership with regional governments, Qbuzz aims for a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2030. As of 2023, 33% of its fleet is zero-emission, comprising 275 electric and 30 hydrogen buses. An additional 425 battery-electric buses will be added by 2024/2025. Proactive monitoring and control ensures optimal performance of these zero-emission buses. Qbuzz has also undergone significant digital and organizational transformations, focusing on energy management and strategic control of charging infrastructure. 

TMB has deployed 8 hydrogen buses and over 80 battery articulated electric buses in Barcelona, with aims to increase the number to over 100 by 2024. Barcelona is one of the leading European cities in the deployment of ZEBs and has access to large real world data sets, which can be used for optimisation and learnings. 

Moderator:

• David Barnett, General Manager – Engineering, Translink

Panel:

• Gerrit Spijksma, CEO, QBuzz
• Josep Maria Armengol Villa, Technical Director, TMB (Transporte Metropolitano de Barcelona)
• Geert van Hecke, Head of Sales Public Transport, Van Hool
• Bahar Konak, Global Bus Business Development Director, Accelera

Location: Hall 7, Auditorium 500