Iveco Bus introduces electric minibus named eFlexy
Iveco Bus is entering the electric compact minibus segment with a new six-meter-long series. The 5-tonne vehicle will be available in two versions - the eFlexy City for urban use and the eFlexy Line for scheduled, shuttle, and intercity services.
Image: Iveco
The vehicle is currently celebrating its European premiere at the FIAA in Madrid (22 to 24 September) and belongs to the M2 vehicle class. Both variants of the series are designed for passenger transport but remain below the five-tonne gross vehicle weight limit prescribed for this class. Within the M2 segment, the eFlexy City operates as a Class A vehicle, primarily in urban environments, while the eFlexy Line falls under Class B and is therefore particularly suited for scheduled services, as well as shuttle and intercity bus operations. The bodywork for the eFlexy models has been contributed by the Italian company Olmedo. First deliveries of the eFlexy vehicles are planned for the first quarter of 2027.
With the new duo, Iveco Bus is explicitly expanding its electric offering “from compact passenger transport solutions to 18-metre-long articulated city buses and 12- and 13-metre intercity models,” as the Northern Italian manufacturer emphasised in a statement. The electric minibuses will provide operators, transport authorities, and private transport companies with “flexible, zero-emission solutions for a wide range of short-distance applications, combining accessibility, passenger comfort, and range.”
Lightweight design contributes to 300 km range
Technically, both vehicles feature a 205 kW electric motor and a 110 kWh battery, which are expected to deliver a range of just over 300 km. The series can be charged at AC chargers with 7.4 kW, 11 kW, or optionally 22 kW, as well as at DC charging stations with up to 150 kW. According to Iveco Bus, the eFlexy minibuses require less than one hour to charge to 80 per cent using DC fast charging in the best-case scenario. The manufacturer further specifies that the design processed focused primarily on weight optimisation through aluminium panelling and ABS components, “which increases the range without compromising robustness or build quality.”
The main differences between the City and Line variants lie in the vehicle height and seating configuration: the slightly taller eFlexy City, designed as the first choice for urban routes with high passenger volumes, can accommodate up to 17 passengers, plus the driver. Alternatively, an accessible version with nine seats, two standing places, and one wheelchair space is also available. The accessible configuration includes a rear wheelchair lift.
The eFlexy Line can carry up to 13 passengers plus the driver. Alternative seating configurations include eleven seats with more spacious arrangements or an accessible setup with eight seats and one wheelchair space. According to the portal _Sustainable Bus_, features include adjustable seats with integrated seatbelts and headrests, a continuous flat floor, and an electrically operated side step at the 1.2-metre-wide sliding door.
Both vehicles offer three driving modes and four regenerative braking levels, delivering a driving experience “close to that of a passenger car”. The cockpit features touch controls, an infotainment system, smartphone integration, and navigation solutions. Additionally, both models are equipped with Level 2+ driver assistance systems.
Shared service ecosystem with eDaily
In terms of service networks and connected services, the eFlexy models will in the future utilise a shared ecosystem with the eDaily series. This includes, among other things, a so-called eStart Pack, a driver app, and an offering of extended services for charging and fleet management.
“With the eFlexy Line and the eFlexy City, Iveco Bus is expanding its zero-emission offering into a segment that is gaining strategic importance for operators: compact, accessible, and flexible passenger transport,” says Giorgio Zino, Head of Commercial Operations Iveco Bus Europe. “Available as City and Line versions, this new electric minibus series covers a broad spectrum of daily applications – from urban routes to demand-responsive services and shuttle operations – and supports our customers in implementing their decarbonisation strategies.”
_Source: Information via email_, sustainable-bus.com