De Lijn Doubles Down on E-Mobility with 100 New IVECO Articulated E-Buses
Belgium’s public transport network is making another giant leap towards full electrification. De Lijn, the Flemish region’s transit authority, has just confirmed an order for 100 new articulated electric buses from IVECO BUS. This isn’t their first dip into the EV pool either. It builds on an existing 2023 framework agreement and adds to the 141 E-WAY 18-metre electric buses currently in the pipeline. The latest delivery is set to begin in the final quarter of 2026.
This order isn’t just another fleet upgrade. It’s a bold statement about the future of mobility in Flanders. De Lijn is targeting a fully emission-free public transport system by 2035. That’s ambitious, but if this procurement trend is anything to go by, they’re on the right track.
Why This Matters
Articulated buses are the workhorses of any busy urban fleet, and in De Lijn’s case, they represent a substantial portion of their operations. According to Director-General Ann Schoubs: “De Lijn aims at attractive and fully emission-free public transport in the whole of Flanders by 2035. Articulated buses represent a significant part of our entire fleet. This order is therefore very important to us. As with all our future e-buses, they will be fitted with USB charging points, an electric ramp for less mobile passengers, improved ventilation and heating, and extra-wide screens with real-time stop information.”
The focus is squarely on enhancing passenger experience while slashing emissions. From wide screens offering live updates to accessibility ramps and climate controls, the design is centred around comfort, safety and convenience.
A Key Partner in Clean Transit
This order marks a significant milestone for IVECO BUS too. Giorgio Zino, Head of Commercial Operations at IVECO BUS Europe, expressed the company’s appreciation: “We are extremely proud of the renewed trust from De Lijn, which represents a major recognition for our brand. We warmly thank them for their support of our E-WAY 18-meter model. With this order, IVECO BUS will have its largest fleet of articulated electric buses in Belgium. It is an honour to support De Lijn in their mission to make transportation even more attractive and emission-free.”
The E-WAY model, a staple in IVECO’s e-mobility arsenal, is fully electric and tailored for urban environments. Built for performance and sustainability, it features a low-floor design, smooth acceleration, and cutting-edge battery systems that align with De Lijn’s climate goals.
Safety by Design
Beyond just going green, safety remains at the heart of this fleet investment. The new E-WAY buses are loaded with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which include:
- Blind spot detection
- Intelligent speed adaptation
- Front collision warning system
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Tyre pressure monitoring
And that’s not all. Each vehicle will also come equipped with rear-view cameras, onboard video surveillance, and passenger information systems. With 41 seats per bus, commuters can expect a safe and comfortable ride that matches the best of modern mobility.
IVECO’s Global Footprint
IVECO BUS isn’t a niche player. It’s a major arm of Iveco Group N.V., listed on the Borsa Italiana under ticker symbol IVG. With over 5,500 employees worldwide and seven manufacturing sites across Europe and Latin America, the company has a robust global presence.
Its bus production spans sites in:
- Annonay and Rorthais, France
- Vysoké Myto, Czech Republic
- Brescia and Foggia, Italy
- Sete Lagoas, Brazil
- Córdoba, Argentina
This manufacturing reach not only boosts its production capacity but also enables more agile responses to regional transport needs.
A Full-Service Ecosystem
IVECO BUS isn’t simply delivering hardware. Its commitment to sustainability goes deeper. Through a suite of value-added services, the company is reshaping what it means to run an electric bus fleet.
Their offerings include:
- Energy Mobility Solutions: Tailored consulting for electrification projects, from planning to implementation
- IVECO ON: A suite of connected services to optimise vehicle maintenance, fleet operations, and energy usage across mixed-energy vehicle fleets
- Technology-neutral strategies: Solutions that incorporate biofuels, biomethane, battery electric, and even hydrogen fuel cell technologies
It’s a holistic approach that empowers public transport authorities to make informed, flexible, and future-proof decisions.
An Eye on Electrification Targets
De Lijn’s roadmap to zero emissions is ambitious, no doubt, but it’s built on solid foundations. With support from established OEMs like IVECO and a clear commitment to sustainable transport infrastructure, Flanders is emerging as a leader in green public mobility.
What stands out is the strategic, phased rollout of electric fleets. Rather than a rushed transition, the region is methodically aligning its technological upgrades with passenger needs and environmental benchmarks. It’s the kind of smart planning that more cities could learn from.
The Road Ahead Looks Bright
From enhanced safety features to real-time passenger info and zero-emission powertrains, this investment is more than just a fleet expansion. It’s a tangible step toward a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport network in Belgium.
With the 2026 delivery looming and hundreds of new E-WAYs on the road, De Lijn is setting the pace for what public transport should look like in a carbon-conscious future. Other transit authorities would do well to watch closely.
