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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.

CTM Cagliari has introduced three Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen buses in Quartu Sant'Elena, the first hydrogen buses in service in Sardinia, as part of a 15 unit order funded and procured via central purchasing body Consip. The operator's zero emission fleet now stands at 236 vehicles, comprising 203 battery electric buses, 30 trolleybuses and three hydrogen buses. CTM aims to achieve a fully zero emission urban fleet by 2030, with the hydrogen vehicles assigned to longer suburban routes.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates a multi technology procurement strategy through Consip framework contracts, signalling potential hydrogen refuelling infrastructure requirements in Sardinia and a template for mixed zero emission fleets in island and suburban networks. The 2030 target creates a visible pipeline for further battery electric and hydrogen bus tenders across CTM's remaining conventional fleet.