Rio de Janeiro acquires 175 electric buses.
The Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro has announced the implementation of a project with a budget of 509 million reais. The funding will cover the acquisition of 175 battery-electric buses and the corresponding charging infrastructure, representing an investment of approximately 86 million euros.
A significant portion of the funding has been provided by Brazil's National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). Through its climate fund, the *Fundo Clima*, it is contributing 329 million reais—equivalent to approximately 63.5 million US dollars. The concessionaire has committed to investing 141.2 million reais, while the city government will contribute 38.8 million reais. The BNDES funds are specifically allocated for the purchase of electric buses.
According to the city government, this initiative marks the first public-private partnership in Brazil focused specifically on an electric bus fleet. The contract spans 16 years: one year for implementation and 15 years for operations. The private partner will be responsible for acquiring some of the vehicles, installing the charging infrastructure, and constructing the new depot. Additionally, it will handle the operation and maintenance of the facilities.
The 175 electric buses will be based at a new public depot located in the Maré neighborhood. The site covers an area of approximately 41,000 square meters, with about 23,000 square meters allocated to electric bus operations. Plans include parking and maintenance areas, administrative and storage spaces, and the necessary charging infrastructure.
Rio builds a new charging station in Maré.
Vehicle charging will take place primarily overnight at facilities designated for this purpose. The first electric buses are expected to begin operating on the "Sistema RIO" urban transport network in the second half of 2027. With the acquisition of these 175 vehicles, the city aims to fully electrify the bus fleet operating out of the Gentileza Terminal.
The project is being carried out under the name "Tranvía Carioca." Alongside electrification, Rio plans to progressively use low-emission biofuels for the remainder of its bus fleet. The city is also pursuing a broader electrification goal: by 2030, zero-emission vehicles are to account for 20% of the municipal bus fleet, equivalent to approximately 1,000 buses.
This expansion is taking place alongside the growth of the electric bus market in Brazil. According to data from the "Radar para autobuses eléctricos" (Electric Bus Radar), the country currently has a total of 2,216 electric buses in service, representing approximately 21% of the 10,628 electric buses in Latin America.
At the same time, domestic production is increasing. Volkswagen Truck & Bus began supplying its Brazilian-designed e-Volksbus in late 2025. The first batch consists of 100 vehicles, with the initial 50 units allocated to the São Paulo-based operator Transppass. The model is manufactured in Resende, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. BYD has announced plans to increase its bus production in Brazil.
According to the City Council, the acquisition of 175 electric buses would prevent the emission of approximately 199,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the term of the contract, which will span a period of 16 years. Furthermore, the City Council anticipates a reduction in local pollutant emissions and noise levels.
