Cagliari operator CTM faces service cancellations as 18 depot chargers prove insufficient for new Iveco electric bus fleet
By Eve
CTM's recently deployed Iveco E-Way electric buses in Cagliari are causing hundreds of trip cancellations because 18 depot charging points, four of which are non-functional, cannot complete charging cycles within scheduled timeframes. The Orsa union reports buses are returning to depots mid-route due to low batteries, with external charging infrastructure not expected until 2027. The operator had celebrated the fleet entry into service, but structural unpreparedness is now disrupting contracted regional services.
Why it matters
The case illustrates how inadequate charging infrastructure planning can cripple electric bus operations, with depot capacity failing to match fleet size and duty cycles. Procurement teams and CPOs must ensure charging provision scales with vehicle deployment timelines, or risk service failures that undermine the business case for electrification.
Source
- Original title
- “Dead batteries and grounded electric buses cause inconvenience to passengers. CTM: "Delays and missed journeys."”
- Published
- 1 July 2026 (date approximate)
- Updated
- 22 September 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- Italy
- Tag
- CTM
Related news
Kia expects EV3 to become its top-selling electric model in the US
Kia anticipates its EV3, launched in the US in August, will become its best-selling electric vehicle in the country, according to senior product planning manager Young Kim. The model has already achieved this status in Europe, where it was the Hyundai Motor Group's top electric seller in the first half of 2026 with 27,000 sales. The optimism contrasts with subdued rollouts of other affordable EVs, including the new Chevy Bolt, which GM said would have only a limited run to 2027, and the Nissan Leaf, which has sold just 2,318 units in the US this year.
Why it matters
Kia's confidence in the EV3 signals a potential bright spot for affordable EV demand in a market where other manufacturers are scaling back similar offerings. The model's European success and planned US expansion could influence charging infrastructure planning and procurement strategies for networks targeting mass-market EV drivers.
Volkswagen, PowerCo and Gotion plan three European LFP battery sites
Volkswagen Group, its battery subsidiary PowerCo SE, and Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech are establishing three joint ventures for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production across Europe and North Africa. The agreement covers battery cell manufacturing in Valencia, Spain, and Šurany, Slovakia, plus a new LFP cathode material production facility in Kenitra, Morocco. LFP batteries are forecast to increase their share of the European battery market from approximately 10% today to between 40% and 60% by 2030.
Why it matters
The joint ventures address Europe's current lack of significant LFP production capacity while supporting demand for more affordable electric vehicles through cost effective battery solutions. The partnership extends into joint procurement and sales activities, potentially creating supply chain opportunities for contractors and equipment providers across the three manufacturing sites.
Volkswagen · PowerCo · Gotion · Source
Volkswagen ID.Polo records over 5,000 orders in France in three weeks, best monthly result in a decade
The Volkswagen ID.Polo secured 5,215 orders in France during September 2026, despite arriving in dealerships only on 10 September, marking the brand's strongest monthly performance in the country in nearly 10 years. Total orders since launch have reached 10,022 units, with 78% from private buyers rather than fleet customers. The electric city car has surpassed the best monthly figures of its petrol predecessor, the Polo, which peaked at 4,816 orders in March 2019.
Why it matters
Strong private buyer uptake signals robust consumer demand for affordable electric vehicles, which could accelerate charging infrastructure requirements in urban and residential settings. The rapid rollout pace and volume suggest fleet operators and charge point operators should prepare for increased small EV adoption across France.