VR Sverige orders 91 Scania-Higer battery-electric buses for Södertälje rollout in 2027

VR Sverige has ordered 91 battery-electric buses from Scania for deployment in Södertälje starting in June 2027, while 101 Solaris are set to operate in Stockholm.

The agreement between VR Sverige and Scania Sverige represents one of the largest electric bus procurements in Sweden, linked to the public transport contract for Södertälje and Nykvarn awarded by the Stockholm regional transport authority. The vehicles will enter service in mid-2027 as part of the transition of the area’s bus operations.

Scania electric buses for VR Sverige

The order follows the award of the Södertälje/Nykvarn contract to VR Sverige approximately one year prior, with operations scheduled to commence in June 2027. The fleet of 91 battery-electric buses will be introduced at the start of the contract period, replacing existing diesel-based operations in the network.

The fleet composition includes two variants based on the Scania Fencer f1 battery-electric platform, developed with Higer, with bodywork and assembly carried out in Scania – Higer plant in China. A total of 32 units will be delivered in the 4×2 configuration with 445 kWh battery capacity, while 59 units will be supplied in the 6×2*4 configuration, also equipped with 445 kWh battery systems.

The procurement aligns with VR Sverige’s stated objective of increasing the share of electric vehicles in its bus operations. According to the company, the majority of its bus services are planned to be operated with electric buses as part of its ongoing fleet transition.

The deployment will take place within Södertälje’s urban network, with vehicles configured for city operations. The introduction of the fleet is expected to coincide with infrastructure and operational readiness for electric bus services in the area, as reported in the company’s press communication .

Largest battery-electric bus deal by Scania to date

The buses will be built on Scania’s battery-electric bus platform, developed in Sweden, with chassis production located in Europe. Battery systems will be assembled at Scania’s battery facility in Södertälje, integrating local manufacturing into the supply chain.

The order is identified by Scania as its largest single battery-electric bus deal in Sweden to date. The industrial setup includes development, production, and assembly processes distributed across Swedish and European facilities, with final battery integration carried out locally.

The collaboration between the two companies covers multiple phases, including planning, vehicle development, delivery, and long-term service support. The partnership structure extends beyond vehicle supply to include maintenance and operational support over the lifecycle of the fleet.