The first electric Postbuses to run on scheduled public transport routes will soon be put into service in the canton of Graubünden. The Graubünden government recently gave the go-ahead for co-financing of the joint project between Graubünden energy company Repower and PostBus. Between Chur and Bad Ragaz, the following PostBus routes will be converted entirely to electric mobility: 90.003 (Chur–Trimmis–Untervaz and Chur–Haldenstein), 90.021 (Landquart–Mastrils), 90.022 (Bad Ragaz–Flüsch–Maienfeld–Jenins–Landquart) and 90.023 (Landquart–Igis–Untervaz Bahnhof).

PostBus is procuring a total of eleven battery-powered buses of different sizes for this changeover, while Repower, with its e-mobility provider PLUG’N ROLL, is responsible for the construction of charging infrastructure and energy supply. If everything goes according to plan, the new vehicles will be in use from the first quarter of 2023.

Pioneering work takes time

In summer 2019, the two companies signed a letter of intent to jointly tackle the switching of public transport to fossil-free drive systems in the canton of Graubünden. Many unresolved issues then had to be clarified. It became apparent that many steps in introducing alternative drive systems to public transport are being taken for the first time. We now have the all-clear: the Graubünden government and the Federal Office of Transport have agreed to cover the additional costs within the framework of the regular financing of regional passenger transport. Repower has completed all planning work for the installation of charging infrastructure and already holds the building permits. And PostBus has ordered the new vehicles.

Repower is now starting to build the charging infrastructure. The Postbuses’ batteries will be charged at the depots in Trimmis and Bad Ragaz, as well as at the stops at Untervaz and Landquart railway stations. For scheduled operations, PostBus will adjust its planning in relation to vehicles and staff. Since battery-powered buses have different ranges from diesel buses, new approaches are required for internal planning. And before it all begins, PostBus will train its drivers to use the new vehicles.

Renewable energy

PostBus and Repower are delighted to take this joint step forward towards more sustainable public transport in the canton of Graubünden. The partnership and cooperation with the canton of Graubünden provide a solid foundation for this progress. The canton of St. Gallen is also involved as there is a route that crosses the cantonal border as far as Bad Ragaz. The project will enhance the added value generated in the region. VERDEPOWER Grischun electrical energy is generated exclusively from certified, renewable sources in the canton of Graubünden to recharge the batteries. 

Repower and PostBus are convinced that public transport needs to make its contribution to combating climate change. To date, five battery-powered buses have been in use at PostBus throughout Switzerland. The fleet will be significantly increased thanks to the rollout of electromobility in the canton of Graubünden. PostBus plans to launch 100 vehicles with alternative drive systems on the roads throughout Switzerland by the end of 2024. The aim is for the entire PostBus fleet to run without fossil fuels from 2040. 

Besides expanding the renewable energy business, Repower’s strategic objectives also include boosting electromobility. Repower aims to make a significant contribution towards successfully implementing the energy transition.