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The Kravtex-Kühne Group and Volánbusz unveiled Hungary’s first locally manufactured electric articulated bus, the Electronell 18, at a ceremony in Budapest on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Loránd Bói, Deputy State Secretary for Transport Strategy of the Ministry of Construction and Transport, highlighted the government’s commitment to renewing the public transport fleet. Over the past six years, the average age of buses has dropped from 13 to 10 years. Mr. Bói emphasized that this initiative would continue, ensuring passengers travel in modern, high-quality vehicles.
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
The Electronell 18, part of the Credobus Electronell family, represents a significant milestone in Hungarian e-mobility.
István Krankovics, Managing Director of Kravtex, described the bus as a lightweight and energy-efficient vehicle with a tare weight of 16 tons—lighter than comparable models from other manufacturers. This reduced weight enables a smaller battery pack, requiring 25% less energy and offering lower operational costs.
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Manufactured in Mosonmagyaróvár (northern Hungary) and Győr (northwestern Hungary), the Electronell 18 boasts a high domestic production value. Its chassis, system integration, and software development were designed and executed in-house, with components primarily sourced from Hungarian suppliers.
Krankovics expressed optimism about starting series production soon, which could safeguard 500 jobs and benefit approximately 100 domestic suppliers.
Volánbusz, Hungary’s leading public transport operator, plans to test the Electronell 18 on its routes by early 2025. László Kormányos, Deputy General Manager for Technical and Operations at MÁV-Start and Volánbusz, stressed the importance of testing innovative, locally developed vehicles.
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Volánbusz has been actively modernizing its fleet, with nearly 40% of its buses replaced in the past six years. Of the renewed fleet, 10% are alternative-powered vehicles, including 102 electric buses. Next year, an additional 20 e-buses will join the fleet.
The debut of the Electronell 18 underscores Hungary’s progress in sustainable transportation, paving the way for greener public transport systems while boosting the country’s economy and innovation capabilities.
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Máthé Zoltán