Länsilinjat starts year-long electric coach trial on Tampere–Ikaalinen route
A year-long electric coach trial has begun on the Tampere–Ikaalinen route to gather real-world data on energy use, charging and winter performance.
Länsilinjat has started a year-long electric coach service between Tampere, Hämeenkyrö and Ikaalinen. The vehicle is a leased Yutong IC15E with a 579 kWh battery and 61 seats, and it moved from trials to regular intercity runs at the start of October.
Earlier test runs this year showed the coach suited the route. The lease will allow the company to collect long-term data on energy consumption, charging performance, operational reliability and winter behaviour. CEO Jukka Ylitalo said the aim is to offer clean, quiet and comfortable travel while assessing whether electrification could be expanded along National Road 3.
The trial complements the city's wider electrification push, which included an order for 22 electric articulated buses for the Plusbussi network announced in September.
Earlier coverage
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