Interview: Alex De Jong, Manager of Public Transport, VDL Bus & Coach

The bus segment is emerging as a leader in the electrification front. A report by IDTechEx Research predicts that the global market for medium and large hybrid and pure electric buses will top US$165bn in 2027. Dutch OEM VDL is keen to secure a piece of that pie for itself.

Today, the company offers a range of hybrid and pure-electric buses alongside traditionally powered models. There are about 120 of its hybrid models in operation in Belgium alone, while 100 pure-electric buses are running commercial routes across various European cities. This year it plans to built at least 115 more. Alex De Jong, Manager of Public Transport at VDL Bus & Coach, believes all-electric models for city operation have the most promising future.