Hitachi ABB Power Grids has launched Grid-eMotion Fleet, which it claims is a game-changing grid-to-plug EV charging system for public transport and commercial operators. The smart mobility solution enables operators to efficiently scale up their operations and is expected to contribute to sustainable society in urban areas.

Through close collaboration with transport operators, Hitachi ABB Power Grids says it has identified a market need for a more holistic approach to large-scale charging. The launch of Grid-eMotion Fleet marks a game-changing shift from a charger-product based approach to a charging-system based approach, which helps to accelerate the future of smart mobility.

Niklas Persson, MD of the Grid Integration business unit at Hitachi ABB Power Grid said: “The Grid-eMotion Fleet launch is a game-changer for anyone managing public transport and commercial EV fleets. Grid-eMotion Fleet delivers unprecedented scalability, space savings and operational efficiency. The solution will accelerate the global uptake of safe, sustainable and smart mobility, whilst contributing to cleaner air and an enhanced quality of life for today’s generation and those to come.”

The Grid-Emotion Fleet solution comes in standard containers that integrate the grid connection and charging systems all together. The system uses DC technology and can connect to any type of power network, removing the complexities of integrating AC-DC chargers into a system. Compared to a conventional connection to the AC grid, the solution brings a 60 percent reduction in space required for large-scale EV fleet charging, whilst the depot cabling is reduced by 40 percent. The fast-to-install solution harnesses renewable energy through grid integration, smart mobility, digital energy management system and incorporates insights from data analytics.

The new solution leverages Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ smart energy management solution e-mesh EMS to manage and enhance the complete charging infrastructure, calculate bus energy consumption and devise, plan and deliver effective services for passengers. The digital analysis monitors the battery life data, route data, traffic simulation and depot control to ensure that efficient power use, energy storage and overnight charging is optimised.

The company estimates that globally, 80 percent of municipal bus fleets are forecast to be electric by 2040. With more than 400,000 electric buses already in service today, and the number expected to grow to 2.3 million e-buses by 2040, operators now need solutions that go beyond the charger to help them connect seamlessly to the grid to power their expanding EV fleets.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids says it supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals2 (SDGs) and the launch of Grid-eMotion Fleet will contribute to furthering progress in respect of SDGs 7 and 11.