Hitachi Energy has won an order to supply its Grid-eMotion Flash ultrafast charging system (formerly know as TOSA and launched in 2013 in Geneva) for the two busiest bus routes in the city of Clermont-Ferrand, central France. The city’s public transportation operator, SMTC-AC, will benefit from this technology in the framework of the city’s InspiRe program to create sustainable urban mobility and reduce emissions, congestion and noise in the metropolitan area.
40 e-buses ordered from Hess
The plan includes 40 new e-buses from Hess, dedicated bus lanes to shorten passenger journeys, very short intervals between buses in timetables, and no interruptions in bus services due to discharged batteries.
As a result, SMTC-AC aims to raise passenger satisfaction and significantly increase the number of passenger journeys from 32 million today to 52 million by 2032. The new electric transportation system, integrated into a complex urban environment, will reduce CO2 emissions by around 5,000 tons a year, according to the operator’s estimates.
Hitachi Energy Grid-eMotion Flash for Clermont-Fernard
Grid-eMotion Flash is part of the electric transportation system in Nantes, France, which in 2022 won the industry’s highest award for operational and technological excellence from UITP. Hitachi Energy was awarded the order by e-bus manufacturer HESS of Switzerland. The two companies have previously collaborated on e-bus and flash charging solutions for Brisbane in Australia, Geneva in Switzerland and Nantes in France.
“We are delighted to have won this prestigious order to help one of France’s historic cities switch from fossil-fueled public transportation to emission-free electric buses,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “We share the same vision and values as Clermont-Ferrand – that electric public transportation leads to a sustainable energy future and a better quality of life for the people who live and work in the city.”
