Italbus M2, the first homologated electric minibus in Piran!

The Municipality of Piran has purchased two “Italbus M2 CITI” electric minibuses, which are homologated and can be registered for road use. They are the first homologated electric minibuses in the Municipality of Piran and in Slovenia and, from Monday 12 May 2014, will run between the Fornače car park and Tartini Square, providing an innovative and environmentally friendly free transport service for residents and tourists within the town of Piran.

The two eco buses, purchased by the Municipality of Piran as part of the EU project “Support to sustainable forms of mobility”, acronym Adria. MOVE IT!, co-financed by the IPA Adriatic cross-border cooperation programme, will complement the existing free transport line on this route and increase its frequency. With the electric minibuses, the Municipality of Piran is building on and strengthening its position as an eco-town by using ecological and energy-efficient means of transport. This reduces environmental impact, improves the quality and appeal of public transport, improves sustainable mobility and consequently raises the quality of life for all residents of Piran.

The Italbus M2 CITI electric minibus is designed on an entirely new platform and is a complete novelty on the European electric minibus market. Its futuristic look gives it the character and qualities of a flagship in its class. It is the first minibus of its kind in Europe homologated with 17 seats. In its basic version the Italbus M2 is open at the sides and suitable for carrying people in town centres. An upgrade, expected to be available in May 2015, will allow the bus to be fully enclosed with an air-conditioned and heated interior.

The basic version, with a 7,5 Kw drive unit and 18 US Baterries 8V batteries, can cover 90 to 120 km on a single charge. Despite its length of 5,9 m and width of 1,5m, it has 16 passenger seats fitted with seat belts and headrests. It is available with an automatic transmission.