RELATED: FlixBus considers U.S. expansion
Europe's FlixBus to pilot electric buses on long-distance routes
Beginning in April, the first all-electric Flix-E-Buses will begin test operations with the premiere route between Paris and Amiens, France. The second Flix-E-Bus will hit the road between Hessen and Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in Summer 2018.

In addition to international lines, approximately 140 new destinations will be added in German-speaking countries alone, with further connections planned across the 26 other markets in which FlixBus currently operates.
FlixBus

FlixBus, Europe’s largest long-distance mobility provider, is now investing in E-Mobility as the first company in the world to test E-Buses on their long-distance bus routes. Beginning in April, the first all-electric Flix-E-Buses will begin test operations with the premiere route between Paris and Amiens, France. The second Flix-E-Bus will hit the road between Hessen and Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in Summer 2018 as part of the German domestic network expansion for summer travelers.
"We want to help shape the future of mobility. Although e-buses are currently much more expensive to buy, we are convinced that this will be a worthwhile investment in the long run, for our company, our customers, and the environment,” said André Schwämmlein, founder/CEO of FlixBus. “As a provider, we are demonstrating that this is a potential turning point in mobility. Likewise, the first all-electric long-distance bus is a signal to bus manufacturers to drive innovation and develop alternatives to pure diesel vehicles. Sustainable mobility is not only about driving business but is also about the social and environmental aspects of traveling."
The long-distance bus is one of the most environmentally-friendly modes of transportation available today, thanks to a modern fleet and the ability to fill large capacities within each vehicle. People who choose bus over car for longer routes reduce their CO2 emissions by 80%.
“The current trend is moving away from private car travel and towards shared mobility options such as buses,” said Schwämmlein. “FlixBus is proud to be a pioneer in helping to propel this change and reliance on transportation with fossil fuels by providing some of the most climate-friendly mobility options in Europe.”
FlixBus will continue to invest in grid expansion in the coming months. In addition to international lines, approximately 140 new destinations will be added in German-speaking countries alone, with further connections planned across the 26 other markets in which FlixBus currently operates.
To fulfill the company mission of providing smart and green mobility for everyone to experience the world, FlixMobility is preparing for two major milestones with the launch of FlixTrain, the first long-distance green train, on March 23 in Germany and the launch of FlixBus USA beginning in Los Angeles in Spring 2018.
More Technology

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility
From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT Issues RFI for Unified Real-Time Customer Information Platform
The agency is seeking input from companies that provide real-time transit communications systems as part of an effort to enhance the customer experience and modernize how riders receive service alerts, travel information, and system status updates.
Read More →
Mobile Apps and Passenger Information Top METRO's Business Briefs
In our latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Masabi, Axentia, Moovit, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Masabi Partners with LANTA and More
In this edition, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet
The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.
Read More →