Sweden’s transition to zero-emission public transport continues to accelerate, with Scania and VR finalizing one of the country’s largest electric bus agreements to date. The deal will see 91 battery-electric buses deployed in the Södertälje region, with operations scheduled to begin in June 2027.
The agreement follows VR Sweden’s contract win in 2025 from the regional public transport authority SL to operate bus services in Södertälje and Nykvarn. As part of preparations for service rollout, VR has committed to a fully electric fleet supplied by Scania, whose headquarters and production facilities are also located in Södertälje—strengthening the project’s local footprint.
A Significant Step Toward Fossil-Free Public Transport
The investment highlights a broader push toward electrification, with a focus on operational reliability and long-term sustainability. For Södertälje, the introduction of modern battery-electric buses marks another milestone in its transition to fossil-free public transport.
Beyond emissions reduction, the new fleet is expected to deliver quieter urban environments and improved comfort for passengers. The shift also benefits drivers and maintenance teams, offering a more refined working environment compared to conventional diesel operations.
Scania’s Largest Electric Bus Delivery in Sweden
This order represents Scania Sweden’s single largest delivery of battery-electric vehicles to date. The fleet will consist of:
– 32 buses with a 4×2 configuration
– 59 buses with a 6×2*4 configuration
Each vehicle will be equipped with 445 kWh of installed battery capacity, ensuring sufficient range and performance for urban and regional routes.
The buses are based on the Scania Fencer f1 BEV platform, developed and manufactured in Europe. This platform is designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-capacity electric public transport solutions.
End-to-End Partnership Model
The agreement extends beyond vehicle supply, covering development, planning, service implementation, and long-term maintenance support. This comprehensive approach underscores Scania’s ambition to play a central role in the shift toward sustainable transport systems.
Close collaboration between the two companies, combined with local battery assembly and development in Södertälje, is expected to deliver a robust and scalable solution tailored to the region’s needs.
Supporting Sweden’s Climate Goals
Once operational, the 91 electric buses will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and improving urban air quality. The initiative aligns with both regional sustainability targets and broader European decarbonization efforts in public transport.
As cities across Europe accelerate their transition to zero-emission mobility, large-scale deployments like this highlight how partnerships between operators and manufacturers are key to delivering meaningful change.
