Hitachi Ltd announced on Wednesday that its battery and charging management software and services are now implemented at multiple bus depots as part of its decarbonization initiative with FirstGroup PLC.
Hitachi reaches milestone in FirstGroup JV
The Tokyo-based conglomerate revealed in November that it had formed an equal joint venture with FirstGroup, based in Aberdeen, Scotland, to advance the UK’s transition to electric buses.
At that time, Hitachi stated, "This collaboration is part of FirstGroup's bus fleet and infrastructure decarbonization program and will supply batteries for First Bus's growing electric bus fleet, contributing to improved air quality, reduced congestion, and enhanced customer experience."
Both companies have each invested £10 million to acquire 1,000 electric bus batteries.
The agreement also specified that Hitachi, through its Hitachi ZeroCarbon subsidiary, would deliver charging and management services for 1,000 electrified buses, with a commitment to an additional 500 vehicles after 2026.
On Wednesday, Hitachi reported that its battery and charging management software and services have been implemented at seven First Bus depots.
"ZeroCarbon has onboarded over 400 buses across seven First Bus depots, including locations in Leicester, Aberdeen, Bramley, Scotstoun, Norwich, Hoeford, and York. This is in addition to the 148 buses currently managed at the Caledonia depot. The introduction of these new services at the seven depots is essential for ensuring efficient operations, streamlining processes, and enhancing overall performance," Hitachi explained.
"Through tariff optimization, First Bus is reducing its energy consumption during peak demand periods, resulting in significant cost savings. Additionally, data reports, insights, and recommendations from telematics are assisting First Bus in monitoring and extending the battery life of its fleet."
