Swedish public transport operator Nobina has ordered 27 new biogas-powered buses from Scania for deployment on regional routes in southern Sweden, reinforcing efforts to expand sustainable public transport and reduce emissions.
The buses, to be operated on behalf of regional public transport authority Skånetrafiken, will serve the Malmö-Lund and Kristianstad corridors. Powered by renewable biogas produced from waste products, the vehicles are expected to contribute to lower carbon emissions while enhancing fuel supply security through locally sourced energy.
The new fleet has been specially configured for longer regional journeys and will feature coach-style seating, onboard toilet facilities and upgraded interiors aimed at improving passenger comfort. The buses also offer low noise levels, a key benefit of biogas-powered drivetrains.
Nobina said sustainability, operational reliability and ease of ownership were important factors behind the procurement decision.
“Sustainability is important to us, and the vehicles should also be easy to own. This is important for our drivers, our passengers, and for our mission to deliver reliable transport every day,” Helena Ericson, Fleet Manager at Nobina, said.
The order further expands the number of Scania biogas buses operating for Skånetrafiken and supports the region’s long-term investment in renewable fuels. The decision was also influenced by positive experiences from the companies’ existing collaboration and ongoing operations.
The buses will be built by Spanish coachbuilder Irizar and supplied as the Scania Irizar i4 model, marking the first deployment of this model in Sweden’s public transport sector. The i4 has already been successfully introduced in several European markets, particularly in Southern Europe, where biogas-powered transport is widely used.
“Biogas is a circular and locally produced solution that provides great climate benefits here and now. With the Scania Irizar i4, Nobina will receive a modern and comfortable bus that is quiet, energy-efficient and well-suited for regional travel,” said Rutger Hörndahl, Key Account Manager at Scania Sverige.
The vehicles will be delivered through a collaboration involving Irizar’s Swedish representative, LECAB Lastbilar AB, which will oversee the process from production and delivery to the commencement of operations.
The deployment is expected to strengthen Sweden’s transition towards cleaner public transport while promoting the use of locally produced renewable fuels.