Dutch public transport operator Qbuzz has secured €140 million ( US$159.55 million ) in debt financing to roll out 275 battery-electric buses and expand its charging infrastructure.

Société Générale acted as initial arranger, lessor, and senior lender, contributing  €70 million, with the European Investment Bank ( EIB ) putting up another €70 million.  

Qbuzz operates in the Dutch province of Zuid-Holland, covering cities such as Leiden, Alphen aan den Rijn and Gouda.

The financing also supports the installation of high-capacity electric infrastructure to connect Qbuzz depots to the national grid.

The new electric buses have replaced a fleet of diesel buses, in line with the European Union’s objectives of cutting carbon dioxide emissions and supporting sustainable public transport to disincentivize private car use.

Qbuzz also provides public transport in the north of the Netherlands in the Groningen-Drenthe and Fryslân concession areas, as well as in the Drechtsteden-Molenlanden-Gorinchem concession in the centre of the country.

Since 2017, Qbuzz has been fully owned by Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane ( FS Group ), which is active in public transportation in several European countries.