Viking (NYSE: VIK) has announced the launch of its first fully electric motor coach, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. With the debut of the new vehicle, Viking becomes the first river cruise line to operate a 100% electric motor coach for guest transportation in Europe. The coach is now serving Viking guests in Vienna, with additional electric vehicles scheduled to roll out across Europe in the years ahead.
“We have always been deliberately concerned about the environment, which is why we design our ships thoughtfully to reduce fuel consumption. As we begin to introduce electric motor coaches to our land operations, we are proud to extend our environmental commitment even further,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Electric motor coaches are quieter and offer a zero-emission solution, and we look forward to operating them in many more Viking destinations in the coming months and years.”
The Viking-branded coach, operated exclusively for Viking guests, accommodates up to 49 passengers and joins the company’s existing fleet of motor coaches that support its destination-focused shore excursion program in Vienna.
The introduction of Viking’s first electric motor coach builds on the company’s long-standing record of environmentally considerate innovation. In 2009, Viking became the first river line to use hybrid diesel-electric engines. With the launch of the Viking Longships®, Viking introduced an innovative design to Europe’s rivers, featuring a patented square bow and asymmetric corridor layout, diesel-electric engines, and onboard solar panels. In 2025, Viking also announced plans for the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship—the Viking Libra®—scheduled for delivery in fall 2026.
