Hitachi Europe and Optibus have partnered to help cities and operators to decarbonise their fleets through the electrification of vehicles and depots.
The collaboration combines Hitachi’s digital and operational capabilities with the Optibus AI platform, offering operators the ability to manage risk and cost when electrifying. Hitachi says that its service will de-risk the entire electrification process by creating a total cost of ownership model for the business and the electrification project.
Such an approach is “a key enabler” of gaining buy-in to electrification plans, it adds. Under the concept, Hitachi will design, deliver and finance the entire electrification transition project, including vehicles, infrastructure and various other factors. Optibus’s software as a service approach will assist with planning and optimisation of the transition from existing buses to zero carbon models.
Hitachi states that its “turnkey solution” will support “the preparation for, delivery of and post-transformation optimisation of the fleets.” The approach will allow a streamlining of the supplier arrangements that the operator has in place and maximise value for money.
Says Hitachi Europe Head of EV Mike Nugent: “Partnering with Optibus signals our ambition to be a global leader in net zero fleet operations. Building on our own digital capability, Optibus helps us to deliver zero carbon transport and it supports our strategy of providing long-term turnkey solutions to our key clients.”
Hitachi adds that it has extensive experience in fleet management and charging infrastructure that suits use in confined spaces.
Optibus says it has a “deep understanding” of challenges facing fleet optimisation prior to electrification and the delivery of optimised fleets post electrification. CEO and Co-Founder Amos Haggiag adds: “We all want to live in cities that are easy to get around and free from pollution. We are excited to be working with Hitachi to make that a reality as we work together to reduce CO2 emissions across Europe and beyond.”
