E181 electric bus: how Ukraine is developing its own production of new generation vehicles
3 September 2025 23:01
Lviv-based Electronmash has presented a new model of the Electron E181 electric bus. The main feature of the model is its compact length of 10.2 meters. The electric bus can accommodate 90 passengers and has 30 seats. In particular, there is 1 seat for a wheelchair passenger, the release says, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
One battery charge lasts for 300-350 kilometers. Battery charging takes up to 5 hours. The electric bus can operate in recuperation mode, which means that when braking, electricity is partially returned to the batteries.
According to Dmytro Kysylevskyi, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development and coordinator of the Made in Ukraine policy in the parliament,
the Electron concern implemented this project based on the tools of the aforementioned policy.
In particular, public transport is subject to localization requirements in public procurement. The new electric bus is also included in the register of equipment, which is reimbursed by the state for 15% of the cost.
The localization level of the new model is over 40%. More than 250 Ukrainian enterprises located in all regions of the country are suppliers of components and spare parts for the Electron E181 electric bus. The production of this vehicle provides thousands of jobs throughout the supply chain.
By purchasing Ukrainian equipment, customers not only receive modern and high-quality products, but also receive proper service and the ability to customize a particular machine to the customer’s wishes. Up to 40% of the money spent on Ukrainian goods is returned in taxes to the budgets of various levels, funding both communities and the Armed Forces. Therefore, replenishing the passenger fleet with Ukrainian rather than foreign vehicles means comfort and safety of passengers, confidence in service and return of part of the funds to the budget through taxes,” said Dmytro Kysylevskyi.
The policy of development of Ukrainian producers “Made in Ukraine” was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February 2024. It is aimed at supporting production, industrial investment and exports.
Дивіться нас у YouTube: важливі теми – без цензури
Legislation on localization in public procurement came into force in July 2022. In 2025, it will require at least 25% Ukrainian content in certain types of products purchased by public authorities, state-owned companies, and communities. In 2028, the level of localization in public procurement will be 40%.
Читайте нас у Telegram: головні новини коротко
