Hitachi & First Bus Join Forces to Supercharge Sustainability

Following last year’s partnership, Hitachi and First Bus are charging ahead, with seven of First Bus' depots now powered by Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon battery and charging management technology. This is a significant step for the UK’s leading bus operator towards its ambitious 2035 net zero target.

Hitachi ZeroCarbon

With over 400 buses now running on Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon tech across depots from Leicester to Aberdeen, Bramley to York – and another 148 already in operation at the Caledonia depot – First Bus is making strides in sustainability.

These depots are crucial to the seamless operation of First Bus’s network. By optimising energy tariffs, First Bus is reducing its energy consumption during peak times, generating significant cost savings. Real-time data and insights from telematics also allow First Bus to monitor and extend the battery life of its fleet, ensuring every charge goes further.

The addition of a centralised, real-time view of all depot operations, coupled with Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s managed support services, brings smoother and more efficient charging management across the board.

Andrew Gwilliam, Product and Propositions Manager for 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, added:

“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.”

Hitachi ZeroCarbon

This partnership doesn’t just tick the box for sustainability; it leverages some of the very latest technology to reimagine efficient, eco-friendly bus operations. Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon platform integrates advanced battery management and charging software, specifically designed to handle the energy-intensive needs of a large electric bus fleet. By optimising charging schedules, the system reduces peak-time energy consumption, bringing down costs and alleviating pressure on the grid. This is particularly crucial during high-demand periods, allowing First Bus to maintain an energy-efficient fleet without compromising service quality.

In addition to managing energy use, the ZeroCarbon platform’s telematics provide First Bus with a continuous feed of real-time data, capturing critical insights into vehicle performance and battery health. This data-driven approach allows First Bus to extend battery life and improve the reliability of its electric buses, ensuring fewer interruptions and smoother day-to-day operations. The software’s centralised dashboard offers an overview of the entire fleet’s charging status across all depots, enabling teams to make quick, informed decisions and coordinate fleet readiness more effectively.

The Hitachi ZeroCarbon managed service team also provides hands-on support, ensuring the technology runs smoothly and maximises its impact. From remote diagnostics to on-the-ground assistance, Hitachi’s support allows First Bus to confidently scale its electrification efforts, with a partner ready to troubleshoot and optimise whenever needed.

Together, First Bus and Hitachi ZeroCarbon are deploying a comprehensive, forward-thinking solution that not only powers the buses of today but also sets the stage for a greener, smarter public transport system in the UK. This approach is a strong example for other operators looking to adopt low-emission strategies while boosting operational resilience and efficiency, ultimately creating a road to zero emissions that’s as sustainable as it is achievable.