energytechreview

| | JUNE 20248With the unpredictable cost of fuel and advances in battery storage, the shift to electric buses and trucks is not only becoming increasingly viable but also economically attractive. However, the traditional model of relying on individual charging stations is inadequate for the scale needed to electrify urban fleets. We stand at a crossroad where innovative solutions and collaborative efforts can lead us to a future where clean charging hubs are the backbone of our urban centers. Hitachi Energy's pilot project with Quebec City's public transit network (RTC) -which aims to electrify 100% of their buses - serves as a prime example of how these challenges can be addressed head-on by joining forces.Fostering an Innovative Internal CultureUrban bus terminals, often constrained by space and not initially designed for electric buses, require charging systems that are compact, scalable, and efficient in space use. The development of the Grid-eMotion Fleet system, guided by a commitment to sustainable solutions, offers a noteworthy attempt at integrating electric buses into existing urban infrastructures. The system is designed to be versatile, capable of connecting to various power networks and potentially reducing the space needed for large-scale EV fleet charging by up to 60%, with depot cabling possibly reduced by up to 40%. This solution, which is easier and quicker to install, aims to incorporate renewable energy, smart mobility, and digital energy management, along with utilizing data analytics for insights. This pioneering approach to electric bus charging is especially pertinent to North American transit systems, where it Alexandre Lalonde is part of Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business unit, and is based out of Montréal, QC, Canada. He joined Hitachi Energy (back then ABB) in 2017, where he held different roles including technical sales, business development and product management for the North American market in the EV charging segment. Since August 2020, Alexandre is heading Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business unit EV charging group on the North American market. Alexandre holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Université de Sherbrooke with a concentration in Power Engineering from Institut en Génie de l'Énergie Électrique - Polytechnique Montréal.ELECTRIFYING CHANGE: STEERING URBAN FLEETS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITYBy Alexandre Lalonde, Head of eMobility - North America,Hitachi EnergyAlexandre LalondeIN MY OPINION
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