Vy flygbussarna is taking a new step in its long tradition of sustainability work. As the first commercial operator in Sweden, the company is launching an electric bus line between Stockholm City Terminal and Arlanda Airport – without government support. The premiere trip will take place in May 2025, marking the start of a summer project that could be the beginning of a new era for climate-smart long-distance travel.
– We have long been pioneers in sustainable transport, from our rapeseed oil bus in 2008 to today's biofuel operation. Now we are taking the next step. The electric bus to Arlanda is a concrete example of how we combine innovation, environmental responsibility and comfort, says Zakaria Abna-Aissa, business area director for commercial bus traffic at Vy.
Unique venture with high demands
Running electric buses in urban traffic is established – but electrifying a longer commercial airport line without public subsidies is something entirely different. It involves coping with long distances, heavy traffic, varying weather and fast turnarounds.
The model used in the test is a state-of-the-art electric bus from one of the world's leading electric bus manufacturers. With a range of over 600 km and proven functionality in extreme climates, it offers both high comfort and reliable operation. The bus is equipped with advanced safety systems such as EBS, ESP and LDWS - the same level of safety as modern fossil fuel buses.
Sustainability in practice
The zero-emission bus is powered by 100 % electricity and charges both at night and during the day as needed, making it a truly sustainable option that reduces both CO₂ emissions and local air pollution – especially in sensitive environments such as airports.
In addition to technical performance, Vy will evaluate energy efficiency, charging times, driver experiences, and passenger perceptions of comfort and quietness. The bus offers a smooth, vibration-free ride with minimal noise levels – something that has already been appreciated in previous tests in Northern Europe.
A test for the future
The test period runs from May to October 2025. During this time, technical data, guest feedback and economic conditions will be analyzed. If the test goes well, it could pave the way for broader electrification of the company's long-distance traffic.
– We believe in electricity as part of the public transport of the future. But every step must be taken with long-term quality, safety and sustainability in focus, says Zakaria Abna-Aissa.
Ambassadorial tour
On May 7th, we had a successful preview and premiere tour of the electric bus for journalists, community planners and future mobility experts, to provide insight into Vy airport buses' sustainability work & the electric bus' technology.
– It isyst, very comfortable. It always feels very good to take climate-smart public transport like a bus, says Anna Grönlund, branch manager for the Swedish Bus Company.
Facts: Electric bus line Cityterminalen – Arlanda Airport
·Start: Monday, May 12, 2025
· Period: May–October 2025
Operation: 100 % electric, fast charging
· Bus model: Yutong T15E
· Range: 600+ km, even in winter climates
· Safety: EBS, ESP, LDWS
· Unique: Sweden's first commercial electric bus line on the route
