Germany's First On-Demand Electric Shuttle Launches in Neu-Isenburg
Neu-Isenburg has launched an innovative on-demand shuttle service called the kvgOF Hopper. The electric minibuses, seating up to seven passengers, began operating on June 26, 2023. This marks the first such service in Germany combining e-mobility with flexible public transport. The project is a joint effort between Neu-Isenburg Municipal Utilities (Stadtwerke Neu-Isenburg) and CleverShuttle. They set up a dedicated charging hub on Hans-Böckler-Straße to support the fleet. The hub includes four charging stations, each with two 11-kilowatt wallboxes, providing a total of eight charging points.
Before the service launched, a demand-driven charging system was installed for the initial eight Hopper vehicles. These electric minibuses run entirely on green electricity supplied by the municipal utility. Passengers can book rides through an app, offering a convenient and emission-free transport option. First Councilor Stefan Schmitt highlighted the project's role in advancing climate-friendly mobility. He noted that the charging infrastructure and Hopper service help cut CO₂ emissions and reduce noise pollution in the city.
The Hopper service remains unique in Germany, as no other city has introduced a similar on-demand e-mobility shuttle. With green electricity powering the vehicles and a dedicated charging hub in place, the system supports long-term sustainability goals. The initiative provides a flexible, eco-friendly alternative to traditional public transport.
