But the transition, which began in 2020-2021, involves far more than simply replacing diesel buses with electric models.

Depots Adapted for Electric Buses

One of the first challenges was adapting CAM’s depots.

Charging stations had to be installed, with some buses taking around three hours to recharge, compared with only a few minutes to refuel a conventional vehicle.

The shift to electric buses also brought new safety requirements.

Because the batteries are mounted on the roof, the depot ceiling is potentially more exposed in the event of a fire.

“With the arrival of electric vehicles, we had to take an entirely new approach to safety,” Ragonneau explains.

The ceiling has been treated with a fire-retardant coating, while thermal cameras have been installed to detect possible battery thermal runaway.

Foam-based fire suppression systems have also been added to help firefighters intervene in the event of a blaze.

New Skills and More Complex Maintenance

Electric buses have also changed the way CAM approaches maintenance.

“Five or six years ago, people thought electric vehicles would require much less maintenance, but that isn’t really the case,” Ragonneau says.

Modern buses incorporate numerous safety systems and rely heavily on onboard electronics, making maintenance more complex and requiring new technical skills.

Some CAM employees are now specifically qualified to work on high-voltage systems, including replacing individual battery cells.

Drivers have also had to adapt.

“They need to remember to ease off the accelerator and use the retarder on descents, both to recharge the batteries and preserve the brake pads,” Ragonneau says.

2027 Seen as a Key Year

The transition also brings significant savings in running costs.

“In terms of energy, electricity costs around five times less per kilometer than fuel for a combustion-engine bus,” Ragonneau estimates.

The initial investment remains substantial, however, because of the cost of the vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them.

CAM has recently added 13 Mercedes eCitaro buses to its fleet, chosen in part to match the level of service and image expected in Monaco.

Further progress is expected in 2027, when development work at the Pêcheurs car park is due to be completed.

“It will be something of a pivotal year because we’ll be able to continue rolling out new electric buses,” Ragonneau says.

For now, however, CAM has no plans to retire combustion-engine buses that are still in good working order.

“Right now, we don’t have the space or the fleet capacity to be 100% electric,” Ragonneau explains.

“And when buses are undergoing maintenance, we still need reserve vehicles available.”