The Zonson midibuses destined for Székesfehérvár have arrived in Hungary

The Zonson GTZ6859BEVBF electric midibuses to be supplied by Goldi Mobility Kft. for Székesfehérvár arrived in Hungary today, and thanks to one of our readers we can also publish exclusive photos of them on our portal. The Ráckeve-based company won the contract last autumn to supply three all-electric urban midibuses, after beating the bid submitted by Electrobus Europe Zrt., the distributor of Ikarus products, by a minimal price difference in the tender. The former coronation city is purchasing the 8.5-metre vehicles at a net purchase price of HUF 126.23 million per unit.

The vehicles, which the importer consistently refers to as the Goldion E9 but which, judging by the photos, carry Zonson’s own badge, were built entirely in China and travelled by ship to the port of Koper in Slovenia. From there, after customs clearance, they were loaded onto trailers and transported via the M7 motorway to Goldi Mobility Kft.’s site in Ráckeve. Based on the images, the air-conditioned midibuses, with a 1-2-0 door layout, have been fitted by the Chinese manufacturer with sliding side windows offering a large opening area, while the exterior and interior colour scheme naturally follows Székesfehérvár’s requirements and usual practice. Another clearly visible detail is the absence of electronic route displays, which are expected to be installed in Hungary.

According to rumours, the vehicles were originally planned to enter service in August — reportedly on new routes, improving public transport links towards the Öreghegy, Feketehegy and Maroshegy districts — but this will probably take place only later, after the domestic registration and homologation processes, including installation of the passenger information system, as well as the necessary tests and approvals. This will be the first appearance in Hungary both for Zonson’s electric midibus and for the brand itself. In addition, one example of the type is also running in Switzerland, likewise with Goldi Mobility’s involvement, and it can also be found, among others, in the fleet of the Naples transport operator Azienda Napoletana Mobilità (ANM).

Photos: Adrián Kovács