Hitachi Energy launched the pilot test of the Grid-eMotion Fleet, which is a charging system with adapted capacities of several megawatts to supply energy to fleets of urban buses in Canada.
The system contributes to the Quebec provincial government’s plan to electrify 55% of city buses and 65% of school buses by 2030, taking into account that transportation accounts for a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions.
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“This project offers a great opportunity to demonstrate how charging systems designed specifically for fleets can play a key role in transitioning our urban transportation systems to all-electric operations,” said Alireza Aram, general manager, Grid Integration North America, Hitachi Energy.
He added that the proposal also allows them to explore different approaches to fleet charging systems in a real-world environment by collecting data with public transportation agencies around the world, including traditional terminals and overhead pantograph systems.
Tests Performed
The Swedish firm highlighted that the proposal was tested at RTC’s Metrobus Center, however, they expect it to be operating at full capacity by 2024.
Among the advantages of this system is the reduction of 60% less space compared to other load centers, in addition to 40% less warehouse wiring, which is why it has been considered in sustainable transport projects in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia.
Hitachi Energy has set its sights on the potential of electrifying the industrial transport fleet in countries such as Mexico as well.
The firm has held talks with food and beverage companies interested in electrifying their entire fleet, with the wide range of solutions, infrastructure and charging stations on offer.
