MAN Truck & Bus has landed Lithuania's largest electric bus order to date. Vilnius public transport operator VVT will take 112 Lion's City E units, with deliveries scheduled through late 2027.
This contract reflects accelerating European adoption of battery electric buses in capital cities. Vilnius joins a growing roster of major metros swapping diesel fleets for zero-emission transit. The Lion's City E, MAN's modular e-bus platform, offers standard ranges between 150 and 280 kilometers depending on configuration. The Vilnius order likely focuses on the workhorse 12-meter variant suited for urban routes, though MAN produces both 10.5-meter and articulated 18-meter versions.
VVT operates roughly 340 buses across Vilnius. This 112-unit purchase represents a substantial fleet modernization push, signaling both EU funding availability and Lithuanian commitment to meet climate targets. The delivery timeline stretches across three years, allowing VVT to absorb charging infrastructure buildout and driver training in phases.
The Lion's City E competes directly against Solaris Urbino electric buses, which dominate Central European markets, plus Volvo B5R and BYD units. MAN emphasizes the platform's energy efficiency and modular battery options. The company has shipped thousands of Lion's City E buses across Europe since its 2018 launch, establishing a solid track record in comparable climates and city sizes.
For MAN, this order cements its position in Baltic markets and demonstrates that legacy truck-bus manufacturers retain competitive advantage in Western-sourced municipalities despite Chinese BYD's aggressive pricing. The deal also provides MAN with long-term service and parts revenue, critical for bus OEMs facing margin pressure.
Vilnius gains modern, low-floor buses with wheelchair accessibility and real-time passenger information