HR
NL
FR
JA
RO
RU
ES
TR
Ikarus electric buses may conquer Europe’s powerhouse economies: multiple cities testing the new vehicles
The buses from Székesfehérvár’s iconic bus factory have rightfully earned global fame, with shipments rolling out to dozens of countries worldwide—from former Eastern Bloc nations to Mexico, Iran, and Venezuela. Now, Ikarus’s electric models are poised to storm an advanced EU member state, the Czech Republic, and Europe’s economic giant, Germany. Drivers, at least, are absolutely thrilled with them.
Ikarus poised for a Central Europe comeback
If there’s one Hungarian success story we can all cheer for, it’s the Ikarus buses. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, these beasts truly conquered the globe, from Tanzania to Costa Rica, South Africa to Saudi Arabia.
According to vezess.hu, the factory’s world-renowned products are now making an electric-powered return in the Czech Republic. Picture Kladno—a city in the Prague transport region with 70,000 residents—much like Érd, just southwest of Budapest. Recently, a third-generation 120e V3 electric bus hit the roads there, operated by local public transport provider Arriva. (Note: this isn’t the Hungarian Arriva that subcontracts for BKV in Budapest—but both firms are owned by the same US investment group, Squared Capital.)
The test period wrapped up today, per vezess.hu, and local drivers are raving about the Hungarian-made machine. Arriva Czechia’s report praises its comfort, ease of handling and steering, solid driving dynamics, impressively long range, and rapid battery charging.
The bus running in Kladno:
The competition is fierce
In Kladno, Ikarus is up against heavyweights like the Iveco Crossway LE electric bus and Mercedes-Benz eCitaro. A win here would be a game-changer: Arriva is one of the country’s biggest operators, opening doors to more Hungarian buses on additional routes.
- Discover the stunning beauty of Budapest aboard Ikarus buses: photos, videos, details
The news site also reports that electric models are under trial in Germany too. Testing kicked off in Chemnitz late last year with an Ikarus 120e. Success with the Czechs or Germans could unlock future tenders for the Székesfehérvár outfit.
Here is the Chemnitz bus:
On the 120e type, Hungarian value-added now tops 50%. While the drivetrain is Chinese, assembly, exterior and interior design, and bodywork all happen in Fehérvár. That’s a stark contrast to the Ikarus 80e—a CRRC-Ikarus collaboration built entirely in China, despite featuring European main components.
Electric Ikarus 120e buses in Hungary, Poland
According to the Facebook page of the company, the MÁV Group’s fleet snagged 20 pure-electric 120e buses last year through the Green Bus Programme with the support of the Hungarian government. They are already serving routes in Keszthely, Komárom, Hajdúszoboszló, Balatonfüred, Tata, and Komló. The Facebook page also notes that 120e buses are hitting the streets in Rybnik, Poland, too.
Click for more public transport-related articles of ours.
This is an exciting development for sustainable public transport and a proud moment for Hungarian manufacturing, especially seeing Ikarus electric buses being tested successfully in major European markets like the Czech Republic and Germany. Stories like this show how strong branding, engineering quality, and innovation can help local companies compete globally. At Custom Patches Factory, we support businesses and organizations that want to represent their identity just as confidently, by providing custom embroidered, woven, PVC, printed, and chenille patches for uniforms, workwear, and promotional use. Whether it’s transport operators, manufacturers, or global brands, strong visual branding helps tell the story behind achievements like these.