According to data from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), transport is responsible for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in Spain; especially road transport. In response, the same institution has defined a National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (to be developed between 2021 and 2030) which contemplates a progressive transition towards non-emitting or non-polluting transport models.In line with the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNlEC), Congress recently approved the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law. This new regulation establishes a series of objectives to achieve the decarbonization of the Spanish economy before 2050, appealing to sectors such as mobility. The Government’s main goal is to have a fleet of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with zero direct CO₂ emissions by 2050. In addition, the regulation establishes that all municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants must adopt sustainable mobility plans in the coming years, including low-emission zones. If the provisions of the PNIEC and the new law are met, by 2030 we will have a significant presence of electric vehicles in Spain: 5 million units (including cars, vans, motorcycles, and buses) will be electric. However, how will the electrification of public transport be carried out? Are companies prepared to face the cost of this transition? Are we ready to meet this demand? What are the advantages of this electrification and what is Castrosua’s position? Read on!Steps prior to the electrification of public transportThe National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan is conditioned by the European Union’s energy and climate policy and by the international response of the Paris Agreement (2016) to address climate change. Since the European Union set a target for 2030 for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990, member states have taken measures.Spain has established itself in recent years as one of the European states with the most hybrid buses, the use of which represents a significant reduction in emissions and a step towards the much-desired decarbonization of public transport.MAGNUS HYBRID CASTROSUAThe main objective, however, is to move towards a total electrification of public transport and for citizens’ journeys to be made without polluting the air in cities. In our country, data from the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (Anfac) speak of a 67.9% growth in the registration of electric vehicles between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, there were 272.2% more registrations of electric minibuses and buses than in 2015, a fact that anticipates what public transport will be like in the future. The Public Administration is increasingly committed to the acquisition of zero-emission vehicles and to the democratization of the use of electric transport: increasing the presence of electric urban buses would allow the population to travel comfortably, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly manner. In fact, the Government has committed to developing a law on sustainable mobility and public transport financing that will help fulfill some of its ambitious measures.All the advantages of the electric busThe entire automotive industry, including bus bodybuilders like Grupo Castrosua, has been analyzing the advantages of electrifying public transport for years and studying options to improve and reduce the cost of manufacturing these vehicles. The production of a greater number of 100% electric buses (a cause that concerns us) will have the following benefits for the atmosphere, citizens, and public transport companies:Reduction of air pollution: In the urban centers of some Spanish cities, air pollution exceeds the safe limits set by the World Health Organization. A 100% electric bus generates 0 emissions, so its circulation would improve the health of the environment and citizens. Air pollution is related to the onset of allergies and respiratory diseases.Fuel savings: Although the production of an electric vehicle is more expensive than that of a traditional vehicle, its acquisition pays off in the long run as we save the high cost associated with fossil fuels.Economical maintenance: The maintenance of an electric bus is simpler than that of a gasoline or diesel bus. The electric vehicle has fewer parts and therefore fewer elements that experience wear and tear. As a consequence, its maintenance is cheaper.Less noise pollution: Electric vehicles are quieter, so the electrification of public transport would also lead to a reduction in noise pollution, which particularly affects the well-being of citizens, especially in urban centers. Silent journeys are also more comfortable for passengers.In summary, the electric bus is considered an essential tool not only to meet international agreements that aim to reverse the effects of climate change on a global scale but also to enjoy sustainable mobility in our own communities. In Spain, major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid have taken the initiative and have begun the electrification of public transport with the help of the Public Administration and financial entities. The municipal transport companies in these cities are immersed in the renewal of their bus fleets to gradually achieve the goal of zero emissions.Electrification of public transport in BarcelonaBarcelona leads low-emission public transport in CO₂ and particles throughout Spain. Currently, 63.3% of its 1157 urban buses are already clean: these are vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, hybrid, or electric. At this rate and according to the latest data from TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), the Catalan city will also lead the electrification of public transport in our country; this management company will acquire 410 clean buses between 2021 and 2024:210 will be battery-electric.46 will be hydrogen-powered buses.154 will be gas hybrids.Thus, by 2024, at least 62% of its bus fleet will be zero-emission vehicles.Electrification of public transport in MadridAnother of the pioneering cities in the electrification of public transport in our country is Madrid. The municipal government and the Municipal Transport Company of Madrid (EMT) recently declared their intention that, by 2023, all its buses will be clean: electric, hybrid, or powered by hydrogen or natural gas.Since the incorporation of the first 15 electric buses in 2018, the EMT has continued to renew its fleet and, after acquiring 100 new 100% electric units this year, the city will end 2021 with about 180 zero-emission buses in circulation.A very important move by the municipal government and the EMT was the inauguration in September 2020 of the first electrified public transport line in the country’s capital. Line C03 borders the Madrid Central low-emission zone to the east; this line operates with eight buses (six on weekends) that are 100% electric.Furthermore, it is not only Barcelona that will soon have hydrogen-powered buses: the Community of Madrid presented a few weeks ago a new bus that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell and that only emits water vapor into the environment. For the moment, the vehicle is in the testing phase, but it is expected to be the first hydrogen bus to operate in Spain.Grupo Castrosua works daily to offer clean, competitive, and efficient alternatives to transport companies. Our bodywork company, an expert in the customization of buses according to customer needs and societal demands, will be part of this gradual and orderly electrification of public transport that our country seeks. 2021 will be a year of challenges and innovations for our firm. Visit our website and blog often to stay updated on the latest news! 😉
