The electrification of the fleet for LETEC is a global strategic step that the Belgian bus company is taking on the road together with Daimler Buses. The close partnership between bus operators and bus manufacturers significantly influences the transformation process in which Daimler Buses has worked closely with LETEC to develop a turnkey and tailor‑made solution for operational requirements.
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A partnership with ideal division of tasks.
LETEC in Belgium relies on the expertise of Daimler Buses for electrification.
Sustainable bus transport as an objective.
LETEC operates local public transport in the Walloon region, always with the objective of developing sustainable and innovative solutions to meet current challenges. “We want to reduce the CO2 footprint of our operations and thus improve the quality of life in urban areas”, stresses Christophe Martin, Matériel Roulant Groupe Manager, Services Direction Technicals.
The switch to alternative drives is also a political objective in Wallonia, but the path to this was deliberately formulated with open technology by the controllers. The requirement specifications created in 2022 did not prescribe an electric drive, but instead called for the cleanest possible technological solution for bus traffic that best suits the special topography of the route.
Christophe Martin, Group Rolling Stock Manager, Technical Services Department
Electrification is a first step towards a bigger vision.
Christophe Martin, Group Rolling Stock Manager, Technical Services Department
Battery-electric drive as the most economical solution.
The comparison of different drive technologies showed that battery‑electric drive is the best solution for bus transport in Wallonia in the long term, both in terms of sustainability and profitability. In 2023, LETEC began implementation and brought Daimler Buses and the experts from Daimler Buses Solutions on board as partners. The recognised expertise in electromobility solutions and, in particular, the integrated approach to implementation were the decisive factors for LETEC in choosing Daimler Buses.
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The know‑how of Daimler Buses was a valuable help both in the technical conversion and in the organisational tasks involved in the transition to electric mobility.
The know‑how of Daimler Buses was a valuable help both in the technical conversion and in the organisational tasks involved in the transition to electric mobility.
The know‑how of Daimler Buses was a valuable help both in the technical conversion and in the organisational tasks involved in the transition to electric mobility.
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Turnkey solution reduces risks.
"Daimle Buses not only provides vehicles, but also offers additional services such as digital tools from OMNIplus ON and trusted partners, plus comprehensive technical support. This model allows us to get a turnkey solution that reduces risks and speeds up the conversion of the bus fleet to electric drive," stresses Christophe Martin. In addition to providing electric buses, Daimler Buses also supplies the necessary charging infrastructure from ABB, which was set up with the new high‑voltage cabin from Equans.
The turnkey model limits our risk and accelerates the conversion of the bus fleet to electric drive.
Christophe Martin, Group Rolling Stock Manager, Technical Services Department
First steps: electrified line and infrastructure.
In the first step, LETEC electrified a bus line called BUSWAY 2 (of the BHNS type: Bus à Haut Niveau de Service). The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G is used on this busy route, which connects Liège with Sart‑Tilman, due to its high passenger capacity. Right from the start, LETEC 14 of the electric articulated buses with the three‑pointed star is put into operation.
After the extensive construction measures, the connection to the power grid had to be five times more powerful.
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The yellow Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G buses are in operation in Wallonia between Liège and Sart‑Tilman.
The yellow Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G buses are in operation in Wallonia between Liège and Sart‑Tilman.
The yellow Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G buses are in operation in Wallonia between Liège and Sart‑Tilman.
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At the same time, the infrastructure for the electric buses was built. Among other things, 16 charging stations were installed: 14 charging stations from ABB with plugs, a pantograph directly on the depot and another pantograph charging station at the final stop in Sart‑Tilman. "How challenging this transition is is demonstrated, among other things, by the fact that the performance of the connection to the grid had to be increased by five times in order to ensure sufficient capacity and avoid overloads. Anticipating and solving such a problem directly requires perfect cooperation between all stakeholders," said Christophe Martin about the cooperation with Daimler Buses.
14 charging stations from ABB Stecker and a pantograph were installed in the bus depot.
The future of bus transport in Wallonia is electric.
For LETEC, this is only the first step, as further investments are to be made in the infrastructure to electrify additional bus lines after the first line between Liège and Sart‑Tilman. For LETEC, it is clear that the future of bus traffic in Wallonia is electric.
Focus on public transportation (TEC):
The Belgian transport company is responsible for local public transport in the Wallonia region. These include the Charleroi tram and the tram in Liège, but above all the city and intercity bus services in Wallonia. The LETEC Group has around 2,700 city and intercity buses in its fleet and operates almost 830 bus lines. With over 5,800 employees, including around 3,500 drivers and almost 900 workers, the enterprise transports over 151 million passengers annually through Wallonia.
OMNIplus ON advance and commerce in day‑to‑day operations:
OMNIplus ON advance is used by LETEC for workshop management. Thanks to real-time data, fleet management is always informed about the status of the buses. The complete deployment documentation of deployments and incidents - including a comprehensive history - is particularly appreciated. OMNIplus ON commerce provides support for purchasing and spare parts management. The spare parts catalogue allows easy querying of references for all vehicle components. The digital service ensures transparent costs, optimal budget management and deployment planning.
OMNIplus ON commerce provides support for purchasing and spare parts management. The spare parts catalogue allows easy querying of references for all vehicle components. The digital service makes it possible to find out the individual prices for each part directly without having to submit an e‑mail inquiry and wait for a response. This saves time and energy. With ON commerce, the stock level and availability of the part can also be viewed. This allows maintenance to be planned and organised accordingly.