Present in 19 countries
Successful launch of France's first hydrogen fuel cell bus line in the TADAO network
Transdev to operate France's first hydrogen-powered electric bus service in summer 2019
Download the press release (pdf)As part of its energy transition strategy towards electric and ecological modes of transport, Transdev is partnering the Syndicat Mixte des Transports Artois Gohelle for today's official inauguration of the hydrogen station and presentation of Safra's Businova hydrogen electric bus.
From summer 2019, Transdev will operate - in commercial service - under the TADAO brand, the first hydrogen-powered electric bus line in France, with six buses on the "Bulle 6" Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line linking Auchel to Bruay-la-Buissière (Pas-de-Calais).
This line of hydrogen-powered electric buses, developed jointly for the Artois Gohelle Transport Authority, is a prime example of French leadership in the field of hydrogen for public transport, bringing together the combined expertise of Safra, Michelin, Engie, and Transdev. The Businova H2 (hydrogen) was developed and approved by Safra. While retaining the vehicle's entire architecture, Safra adapted a hydrogen system for its electric bus, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack to which a hydrogen fuel cell supplied by Michelin has been added, giving it a range of over 300 kilometers.
The 13.4-kilometer-long “Bulle 6” BRT line will connect the towns of Auchel and Bruay-la-Buissière with six hydrogen-powered electric buses, which are expected to travel 420,000 kilometers annually, while saving more than 530 tons of CO2 per year.
“ Energy transition for Transdev is not an option, it's a commitment. It is a commitment to rapidly convert our Group's vehicle fleet to an increasing proportion of low and zero emission vehicles. Reducing our economic and energy dependence on fossil fuels is a priority, for Transdev and for Europe, to ensure a real transformation of our business model towards ever cleaner sustainable mobility. At Transdev, we are already well advanced in this direction, with electric and hydrogen vehicles, and we will continue to move in this direction for our Mobility Authorities customers and for our passengers”
Thierry Mallet
Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer
“ The prospect of hydrogen on the TADAO network, operated by Transdev, was the result of a bold choice to introduce a real innovation. This fuel could well be the fuel of the future in public transport. After studying all the scenarios and all the characteristics, we identified the need to equip ourselves with a complete hydrogen chain. It's the role of a public authority to make choices and stick to them. Today, in France, the Hauts-de-France region is ahead of everyone else, so it's no coincidence that this is the fruit of a long process. What is certain today is that we are the first to have dared to take the hydrogen route for this bus line, and we can be proud of that”
The transition to zero-emission (ZE) mobility solutions is a major concern for Transdev and the transport sector
The transportation industry accounts for approximately 22% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Transdev is committed to developing and deploying zero-emission solutions as part of its societal responsibility to improve air quality in our cities, reduce noise pollution, and enhance the passenger experience and driver comfort.
As Europe's leading operator of electric buses, Transdev was already operating more than 600 electric buses at 30 sites in seven countries at the end of 2018, is expected to reach 700 by the end of this year, and plans to operate 1,500 ZE electric buses by 2024.
600
electric buses since the end of 2018
1500
ZE electric buses by 2024
Beyond battery-powered buses
Transdev has decided to actively explore hydrogen and fuel cell electric buses, with projects in France and the Netherlands. This technology holds great promise for the future. The fuel cell is an on-board means of generating the electricity needed to power the electric motor. The fuel cell runs on hydrogen which, combined with oxygen from the air, produces the electricity needed for traction. The only emissions are water and water vapor... The result: zero environmental pollution - zero pollutants, zero particulates, zero CO2 and zero engine noise for a range of over 300 kilometers with an on-board solution.
By drastically reducing
polluting emissions from combustion engines and reducing C02 emissions to zero that Europe will set an example to accompany profound changes in our habits and induce a global transformation of the economy, towards a green and virtuous economy. Transdev's ambition is to be the operator for all forms of everyday mobility, making the best use of technology to serve people and regions, while respecting our environment and promoting green, sustainable mobility and growth.
About Transdev
As a global mobility operator and integrator, Transdev, The mobility company, enables everyone to move around freely. Transdev transports 11 million passengers every day thanks to its various efficient and environmentally-friendly modes of transport, which connect individuals and communities. Transdev advises and supports local authorities and companies in their search for safer, more innovative mobility solutions: 82,000 men and women at the service of its customers and passengers. Transdev is jointly owned by Caisse des Dépôts (66%) and Groupe RETHMANN (34%). In 2018, present in 20 countries, the Group generated sales of 6.9 billion euros.
Find us on www.transdev.com or download the MY Transdev app from the App Store or Google Play.
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