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Seven bus depots benefit from Hitachi ZeroCarbon technology and services
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Optimised charging and battery management capabilities deliver more efficient operations for First Bus
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Deployment further cements both parties’ commitment to reducing emissions
Building on the partnership formed last year between Hitachi and First Bus, seven of First Bus’ depots now use Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon battery and charging management software and managed services – another move taken by the UK’s leading bus operator to accelerate its 2035 net zero fleet emissions goal.
Hitachi ZeroCarbon has onboarded over 400 buses across seven First Bus depots, including Leicester, Aberdeen, Bramley, Scotstoun, Norwich, Hoeford and York. This is currently in addition to the 148 buses already under management at the Caledonia depot.
The seven depots with the new services play a crucial role in ensuring operations run efficiently, helping streamline operations and overall performance.
Through tariff optimisation, First Bus’ energy consumption is being reduced during peak demand periods, making significant savings on energy costs. Plus, data reports, insights and recommendations from telematics are helping First Bus monitor and extend the battery health of its fleet.
A centralised view of real-time information for all depot operations has also been implemented and the operational support, provided by Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s managed service team, for the charging ecosystem combined will ensure smoother operations.
Andrew Gwilliam, Product and Propositions Manager, Decarbonisation at First Bus, said: “We’re committed to reducing our impact on the communities we serve, and creating cleaner air for future generations. Our continued partnership with Hitachi ZeroCarbon helps us maximise the potential from our investment in technology, and we’re pleased that Hitachi’s goals mirror our own when it comes to being a fully net zero business.
“Our goal is to put the bus at the heart of an integrated, sustainable and reliable transport network, allowing us to more effectively tackle congestion, liberate roads and public spaces, and deal with the climate emergency by ending dependency on fossil fuels. We’re thrilled that Hitachi is on the journey with us.”
Dan Pollard, Programme Manager at Hitachi ZeroCarbon said: “As a climate change innovator, we strive to deploy our technologies through collaboration and co-creation with our partners, enabling the decarbonisation of fleets while providing new revenue streams. We are particularly proud of the positive impact our partnership with First Bus will have on air quality in local communities.
“By partnering with such a sustainably ambitious business and leveraging data, technology, our managed services and a shared-ownership model with First Bus, we are able to decarbonise bus fleets faster and accelerate towards global net zero commitments.”