Based on a joint development by UNR, the Municipality of Rosario, and the company Inventu, the renewal of the entire K line was completed with 15 new cars.
The last three diesel trolleybuses converted to electric vehicles were presented, completing the total renewal of Line K and finalizing a process that began earlier this year. This work was carried out jointly by the Universidad Nacional de RosarioThe state-owned company Movi Rosario and the company Inventu Ingeniería contributed a total of 15 new cars to the city's public transportation system.
These new buses offer greater comfort and accessibility for users of the city's public transportation system. “This is an initiative of the Municipality of Rosario, to which we gladly contributed, to recover public transport buses that are no longer in use and convert them to electric, thus replacing older buses on the K line at a much lower cost. These new units provide greater efficiency and less environmental impact. The process is carried out within the facilities of the Public University, and it is something we are very proud of,” explained Rector Franco Bartolacci.
Furthermore, the Rector emphasized that these new vehicles not only contribute to more sustainable mobility and the renewal of the city's fleet, but also significantly reduce the investment the State has to make to acquire them. "This is, in part, also a contribution from the development of local science and knowledge, from the public university, which is involved not only in training skilled professionals, but also in carrying out these kinds of initiatives."
This innovative project focuses on converting diesel buses to electric buses, combining academic knowledge with public management and technological innovation. The initiative seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of urban transport, reduce environmental pollution, and improve air quality in the city. Furthermore, the vehicles are designed to optimize energy consumption and adapt to the specific needs of public transport in Rosario.
“We had buses from 94, and we're going to replace them completely. What makes us truly happy is that we were able to do it with technology developed in Rosario, thanks in large part to the University's contribution,” stated Mayor Pablo Javkin, adding: “We're planning to continue these kinds of projects. We have the idea of restoring Line M, which is always a goal, and doing it with technology produced entirely in the city is a benefit because we don't have to bring in buses from other parts of the world, where the climates aren't similar to ours, and which don't operate as efficiently. We celebrate this new joint effort with the National University of Rosario (UNR), and in this case also with Inventu, which improves Rosario's transportation system.”
The UNR's participation in this process is key, as its research and development teams conduct studies on energy efficiency, energy storage, and adaptation of existing infrastructure. The Municipality of Rosario, for its part, provides logistical support and establishes the regulatory framework necessary for the implementation of electric vehicles in the city. Inventu, a company specializing in electric mobility, is responsible for the design and manufacture of the buses, applying cutting-edge technology to ensure optimal performance and durability.
This process involves converting diesel buses that are over ten years old into trolleybuses using their original chassis and incorporating an electric motor and control system. “The conversion allows for the gradual renewal of the transport fleet and represents approximately 35% of the cost of a new bus,” Bartolacci pointed out.
These units feature low floors for easy accessibility, air conditioning, interior information screens, and are easy to maintain. It's also important to note that they underwent a complete renovation, both inside and out.
With the addition of these new units, the gray and orange "Brazilian trolleybuses," acquired in the 90s and in service until now, were taken out of operation. The 20 units were manufactured in 1989 and put into service in 1994.
Benefits of the new trolleybuses
Converted cars offer economic benefits due to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan compared to traditional vehicles. At the same time, they reduce environmental impact, as they produce no polluting emissions and electric motors generate less noise than combustion engines.
Furthermore, the restructuring work generates local employment and fosters an innovative and strategic industry that is becoming a global trend.
The progress of this initiative is part of a series of public policies that promote sustainable mobility, aligned with Rosario's environmental commitments and climate change mitigation strategies. The incorporation of electric buses not only represents a modernization of public transportation, but also a commitment to a cleaner and more efficient mobility model that prioritizes the well-being of the population and environmental protection.
“We should be proud, because the fact that the local government, the public university, and a private company can develop an initiative like this doesn't happen anywhere else in the country,” commented Rector Franco Bartolacci.
With this project, Rosario takes a firm step toward a future with a lower environmental impact and greater technological innovation, consolidating its position as a city committed to sustainability and improving the quality of life of its residents.
Journalist: Gonzalo J. García / Photography: Camila Casero.
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