Oslo is on track to become the world’s first capital with an all-electric public transport system, aiming for this by the end of 2023 as part of its goal to become the world’s first completely emission-free city by 2030 .

The transport push involves replacing its diesel buses with 450 electric ones, under a 500 million crown ($47 million) scheme which, according to Sirin Stav, vice-mayor responsible for environment and transportation, will save the city money in the long run.

“Maintenance is cheaper, it’s also cheaper for the electric bus operators,” she said. “Overall, it’s a win-win situation.”

It encourages other cities to follow the example of Oslo – the city of 700,000 inhabitants has already electrified most of the ferries that crisscross the fjord on which it sits – and notes that, in its latest tender, the e-buses were 5% cheaper than diesel equivalents.

Oslo’s decision comes amid a global push by major cities around the world to try to reduce their air pollution, and as governments and activists finalize preparations for the UN’s COP27 climate summit next month. in Egypt.

Ingvild Roerholt, adviser on transport issues at ZERO, a Norwegian environmental group, said the rollout of the buses marked an important step forward for the city.

“However, it is important that Oslo in the future ensures that there is transparency in the amount of emissions associated with the production of these ferries and vehicles,” she added.

($1 = 10.7344 Norwegian kroner)

(Reporting by Victoria Klesty, editing by Gwladys Fouche and John Stonestreet)