First tests are conclusive
Over the period 2015-2017, we launched a major programme to test electric buses under real life operating conditions with passengers. Our goal: to prepare bids to tender for high-volume bus purchases by late 2017, with massive shipments to begin in 2019.
We have already signed agreements with each of the following manufacturers, to test standard electric buses:
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Three European bus makers, Heuliez Bus (France), Irizar (Spain) and Solaris Bus & Coach (Poland);
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Two Chinese companies: Yutong in association with the French Dietrich Carebus and BYD.
From late 2015 we tested these buses for several months on two benchmark bus lines: line 21, which runs from Boulevard Haussmann to Parc Montsouris, and line 147, from Eglise de Pantin to Sevran.
RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités have also signed a comprehensive contract for the first standard electric bus line, with 23 buses provided by Bluebus, a subsidiary of the Bolloré group. Since early 2017, they have been operating on line 341, between Porte de Clignancourt and Place de l’Etoile. The buses are only recharged at the bus depot at night. They have an autonomy of 180km, and like conventional standard buses, they have a passenger capacity of more than 90 passengers. This is a European first for such a large fleet.
In late 2016, Île-de-France Mobilités and RATP launched a second test, with the aim of adding an additional twenty 12m BlueBus buses on two other lines starting in late 2017. The buses will be partially recharged at their terminus stations.
Development of a biogas activity
In agreement with Île-de-France Mobilités, our Créteil bus depot will be fully converted to NGV (natural gas for vehicles) in 2019, with a capacity of 255 biogas buses. The depot already accommodates 140 buses, all powered by BioNGV since 1 June 2015.
The energy transition also means hybrid buses
While waiting for industrial manufacturers to develop electric buses that meet our technical and economic requirements for operating in dense urban environments, we have been equipping ourselves with hybrid buses.
Key figure
The advantage of this solution is a reduction of noise pollution and vibrations within the bus. It also generates fuel savings of 20-30%, compared to diesel buses.