Expanded Electric Fleet Supports Sustainability Goals
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has introduced five new electric minibuses into service across the city since August 2023. The addition forms part of TMB’s ongoing shift toward a zero-emission fleet, aligned with its 2025 Strategic Plan. The rollout follows successful eight-month trials of the INDCAR e-B6 electric minibus model in over 10 Spanish cities, including real-world testing with passengers in Barcelona. These trials accumulated more than 5,000 kilometres and were positively received by users and operators. TMB has been a pioneer in electromobility, having first tested electric buses in 2014. As of 2024, the operator runs 196 battery-electric buses and around 46 hydrogen fuel cell buses, making over 25% of its entire bus fleet emission-free.
Progress Toward Environmental Targets
According to TMB’s latest sustainability figures, the bus network has exceeded several 2024 environmental targets. Electric and hybrid vehicles now make up 95% of the environmentally friendly fleet, surpassing the 92% goal. Passenger transport has avoided 90,202 tonnes of CO2 emissions, exceeding the target of 68,087 tonnes. Overall CO2 emissions generated have decreased to 62,665 tonnes from a target of 68,149. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions have also fallen below projected levels. Energy consumption for the bus network reached 310,079,873 kWh, below the 323,886,335 kWh target, while water consumption dropped to 28,554 cubic metres.
With this tender, we are reaffirming our commitment to a zero-emission bus fleet.
, Laia Bonet, President of TMB, on expanding the electric fleet
TMB plans further expansion, having launched a tender for 19 new 18-metre electric articulated buses. This follows the deployment of 16 electric articulated vehicles on the V15 line, which now operates as Barcelona’s second high-demand route with 100% electric service. Endesa X–Dominion installed three ultra-fast pantograph charging stations at key V15 terminals to support the transition. Charging infrastructure is located at Passeig de Joan de Borbó, in front of the Vela Hotel, and at Josep Garí–Avenida Tibidabo. TMB aims to have 232 electric buses in service by 2024, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable urban mobility in Spain.
Primary sources: fundacio.tmb.cat, noticies.tmb.cat, gentmb.tmb.cat, tmb.cat. Reported by 20minutos.es, endesa.com, Editorial Staff, Chris Randall, [email protected], El Periódico, Anton Rosa, lavanguardia.com, Meritxell Riera.
