First Bus depots integrate Hitachi ZeroCarbon tech
Depots run by First Bus are now using Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon battery and charging management software alongside its managed services.
The products, which build on the partnership between the two companies, have been applied to seven depots, as the operator continues its 2035 net zero fleet emissions goal.
Hitachi ZeroCarbon has onboarded more than 400 buses across the seven First Bus depots, which include Leicester, Aberdeen, Bramley, Scotstoun, Norwich, Hoeford and York. This work is in addition to the 148 buses already under management at the Caledonia depot.
Through tariff optimisation, First Bus’ energy consumption is being reduced during peak demand periods, making significant savings on energy costs. Data reports, insights and recommendations from telematics are also assisting with First Bus monitoring and extending the battery health of its fleet.
A centralised view of real-time information for all depot operations has been implemented, and there is also operational support, provided by Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s managed service team, for the charging ecosystem.
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.”
Image courtesy of First Bus/Hitachi
