Testing of a new 14-seat minibus model has begun on Moscow streets, according to the city’s vice mayor. The vehicle in question is the small-class “Gazelle” e-City electric bus, designed for narrow urban roads and routes with low passenger traffic.

The Moscow Department of Transport stated that the minibus features ten passenger seats, climate control systems, and space for strollers, bicycles, or large luggage. On a single charge, the vehicle can travel up to 150 km. The “Gazelle” e-City prototype was tested in 2023 on a western Moscow route (covering nearly 25,000 km total), after which the model was refined to meet city requirements. “After testing in various weather conditions, we’ll consider purchasing such models to replace small-class buses,” said the vice mayor.

Electric buses first appeared in Moscow in 2018. By May 2025, approximately 2,350 electric buses (primarily KamAZ-6282 and LiAZ-6274 models) were operating across 200 routes, transporting about 900,000 passengers daily. That same month, Moscow government agencies announced a tender for 700 M3-class electric buses with 15-year maintenance contracts. These 85-seat vehicles feature pneumatic suspension and can fully charge in one hour. Deliveries are scheduled in batches of 25-35 units through 2027.

Gazelle e-City

Gazelle e-City is a modern digital and business hub located in Gaziantep, Turkey, designed to foster innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Established to support economic growth in the region, it provides a collaborative environment for startups, tech companies, and digital services. While it doesn’t have a long historical background, it reflects Gaziantep’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy, building on the city’s traditional strengths in commerce and industry.

KamAZ-6282

The KamAZ-6282 is a modern Russian-made hydrogen fuel cell bus developed by KamAZ, a leading truck and bus manufacturer. Introduced in the early 2020s, it represents an eco-friendly initiative in public transportation, aiming to reduce emissions in urban areas. While not a historical site, it reflects Russia’s push toward sustainable mobility and innovation in vehicle technology.

LiAZ-6274

The LiAZ-6274 is a Soviet-era trolleybus model produced by the Likinsky Bus Plant (LiAZ) in the 1970s. Known for its durability and simple design, it was widely used in public transportation across the USSR. Though no longer in production, it remains a nostalgic symbol of Soviet urban transport history.