Grid-eMotion flash-charges buses within just 20 seconds at selected stops, with ultrafast top-up charging during short rests at the route terminus and the depot.
The scheme is part of the city’s InspiRe programme to create sustainable urban mobility and reduce emissions, congestion, and noise in the metropolitan area. It includes 40 new e-buses, 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.
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. Grid-eMotion solutions are already operating or under development in Australia, Canada, China, India, the Middle East, the United States and several countries in Europe.
