Luxembourg was the first European country to introduce Volvo buses with hybrid technology. The first Volvo hybrids were already delivered back in 2009. Nowadays, the country decided to accelerate these developments, by welcoming the first Electric Hybrid buses (plug-in technology) before the deployment of full electric buses.

To support this change towards electromobility, Volvo Buses has committed to anchor a durable presence in Luxembourg through the official Volvo Trucks and Buses distributor, Centre Poids Lourds Luxembourg, based in Livange.

The objective of the E-Bus Competence Center is to develop and implement smart E-mobility projects for cities with a strong focus given to environmental protection and  noise reduction. Luxemburg and other European markets will be supported with city mobility key competences throughout the business development and project execution phases. The Center will work closely together with both public as well as private stakeholders such as universities, ministries and public transport operators in Luxembourg and in Europe.

François Bausch, Minister for Sustainable Development and Infrastructures states: “The public transport ministry has a long history of supporting innovative and sustainable vehicles in its bus network. As an example, Luxembourg is proud to be running several hybrid buses throughout the country and has introduced the Volvo plug-in hybrid buses in its fleet. I am confident that E- Mobility in Luxembourg will be tremendously developed by the launch of the E-Bus Competence Center. In general these projects fit well into our Smart Mobility strategy and we are looking forward to launch other projects in the near future.”  

Secretary of State to the Economy, Francine Closener is welcoming the newly formed entity: “The new E-bus Competence Center is the result of an efficient partnership between innovative and dedicated public and private partners who joined forces to reach a common goal that benefits all of the stakeholders. This project that brings economic activities and know-how to our country fits perfectly well into our Smart Mobility strategy. I am confident that other, similar projects will be developed in Luxembourg and facilitated through the Inter-ministerial Committee for Smart Mobility that has recently been founded and that is led by Minister Bausch and myself.”

Laurent Bravetti, 41, has joined the E-bus Competence Center as Project Leader Electro Mobility as from August, 1. As an engineer, he worked in the Luxembourg public research for 16 years. He has a strong experience in project management, business development and management of private and public stakeholders. In the E-Bus Competence Center, he will be in charge of managing the various projects in Luxembourg and Belgium and support the business development in the Great Region.

Meanwhile the E-bus Competence Center has hired two more employees working in the field of technical support and development. Further expansion with the recruitment of a Telematics Consultant and an Electro Mobility Trainer is already planned.

The E-Bus Competence Center aims to become a European showroom for public transport electromobility. With this powerful tool, Volvo Buses will contribute to support the Luxemburg strategy of "Smart Mobility".