Hamburger Hochbahn AG has officially commenced trial operations at its new depot in Meiendorf, Hamburg. This facility is the company's first site built exclusively to support a battery-electric bus fleet. Currently, about 20 staff members are testing operational workflows using up to ten electric vehicles to prepare for the full launch.
The initial fleet of 30 electric buses is scheduled to enter regular service on 13 December 2026. Once fully operational, the depot will house approximately 130 emission-free buses. The location was chosen to minimize empty travel distances, which helps optimize daily energy consumption and improves overall fleet efficiency in the north-eastern districts of Hamburg.
The depot incorporates several sustainability features, including green roofs and integrated photovoltaic systems for power generation. The facility also utilizes waste heat from charging infrastructure to warm operational buildings and collects rainwater for vehicle maintenance. These measures reflect the company's focus on resource management within its charging infrastructure.
