Analysis

Batumi becomes first Georgian city to operate electric buses

Batumi on the Black Sea coast is set to become the first city in Georgia to operate electric buses, agenda.ge has reported.

The buses will be provided by Belarusian electric vehicle manufacturer Belkommunash.

In the initial phase, eight new buses will serve passengers in what is Georgia’s third largest city.

Close to 3.8 million euros have been allocated for the project. The budget includes a 1.5 million-euro grant from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environmental Partnership Fund, while the remaining amount is covered by a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

“It is the first time that the Eastern European Energy Efficiency and Environmental Partnership Fund has allocated money for a project involving electric buses in the Caucasian region,” wrote agenda.ge, quoting a statement from the Batumi City Hall.