A Lebanese engineer hopes to launch his country’s “first-ever solar-powered electric bus” called the “Lira Bus,” bnm IntelliNews has learned.
Hisham Houssami announced plans for the electric vehicle as a follow-up to Lebanon’s first electric car, also named “Lira,” launched in 2023 but remains limited to a few trial vehicles in Beirut.
The engineer says the Lira Bus is designed to accommodate up to 14 passengers; however, the latest prototype seats nine, with plans in place to increase capacity in subsequent models.
Powered entirely by solar energy, the bus is equipped with high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, GPS tracking, and an innovative payment system, with the engineer saying the vehicle doesn’t require a mains charger.
Bnm IntelliNews spoke with Hisham Houssami, the innovator behind the Lira Bus project, who shared insights into the journey. “We named the first electric car we manufactured at the Ministry of Economy and Trade in 2023 ‘Lira,’” he explained.
“Today, we are working on creating the ‘Lira Bus,’ which will be the first electric bus in Lebanon powered by solar energy, with a capacity of around 14 passengers. It is expected to launch this coming May.”
Houssami noted that securing financial support has remained a major challenge as the banking sector in Lebanon has remained cautious on lending programmes due to economic difficulties.
“After launching the electric car from the Ministry of Economy, we were unable to secure the necessary funding to continue such projects. Likewise, the bus is being funded through personal efforts.”
He added that he had approached several ministries under the previous interim government in hopes of obtaining the required backing but was faced with closed doors.
Houssami now plans to re-engage with relevant ministries in the current government following the “Made in Lebanon” exhibition.
“Without funding,” he cautioned, “the project will not expand to cover Lebanese roads, even though it could stimulate economic activity and create job opportunities for many workers in Lebanon.”
As for the cost, Houssami said that the Lira minibus project stands at an estimated $15,000—a modest sum considering its potential economic and environmental returns.
The official launch is scheduled for May 2025, during the “Made in Lebanon” exhibition under the patronage of the Minister of Industry and is expected to run on .
The event is expected to highlight local industrial achievements, with the Lira Bus standing out as a flagship example of clean, homegrown technology.
Josiane Hajj Moussa
https://www.intellinews.com/lebanon-launches-solar-powered-electric-vehicle-called-lira-bus-375551