Albi, July 06, 2023
SAFRA, France’s leading manufacturer of hydrogen-powered buses and a forerunner in the retrofit of hydrogen-powered coaches, has just won Dunkerque’s tender to supply 10 hydrogen-powered buses. The Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque chose SAFRA’s new-generation HYCITY® bus, a 12m, 3-door version. An order that will enhance the company’s already busy business prospects for 2024.
Dunkerque, a hydrogen hub that's gathering pace
On July 3, the Communauté Urbaine Dunkerque Grand Littoral announced an order for 10 HYCITY® buses for its DK’BUS public transport network. This network, operated by STDE (Société des transports de Dunkerque et extensions), part of the TRANSDEV group, comprises 162 buses, 98 of which run on BIOGNV and 3 are electric. Making public transport more attractive is the challenge facing the Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque, which has opted to make its public transport network completely free of charge since 2018, and to make it more visible through its colorful buses.
The Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque is actively working to transform its vehicle fleet into a zero-emission one. The Dunkerque territory is relying on the development of the hydrogen sector to decarbonize its industrial port zone, whose strategy is based on the production of a very large volume of hydrogen to replace fossil fuels and reuse the residual CO2 captured. The hydrogen produced will also benefit heavy mobility, with 10 hydrogen-powered buses set to join the city’s public transport fleet.
These 10 HYCITY® vehicles, the purchase of which is partly financed by ADEME (The French Agency for Ecological Transition) as part of the « 2021 AAP Ecosystèmes territoriaux H2 », will be operating on the Dunkerque network in 2024. The contract is complemented by a 3-year full maintenance contract for the vehicles, followed by a shared maintenance contract enabling a gradual, supported transfer of technical expertise.
“We’re very proud to have won this new contract, which reinforces the company’s strategic choice to switch to generation 2, with HYCITY®. Our teamwork has been rewarded with this announcement, and we look forward to seeing these 10 vehicles on the Dunkerque network next year“, said Eric Baleviez, Chief Commercial Officer, on announcing Dunkerque’s decision.
SAFRA's new generation of hydrogen buses
The HYCITY® vehicle chosen by Dunkerque is the new generation of hydrogen buses designed and manufactured by SAFRA. Benefiting from the feedback of its predecessor, Businova H2, in operation since 2018 and present on several French networks.
It is the only hydrogen bus manufactured in France, and also the only one to feature a French fuel cell, developed and marketed by Symbio, a joint venture between Michelin and Faurecia.
The HYCITY® powertrain comprises 6 Plastic Omnium type 4 tanks, with a total capacity of 35kg of hydrogen; a fuel cell with a power of 45kW (useful power 30kW); an NMC battery with a power of 30 kW and a capacity of 130 kWh; and an axle powered by two motors of 125 kW each. This is a full-hydrogen vehicle, since all the energy used for traction comes from hydrogen, so there’s no need to recharge at the depot in the evening.
About us
Safra, a French company, is a historic player in the renovation of passenger transport equipment and a pioneer in hydrogen mobility. The company is committed to tacking challenges facing the environment, society, and sovereignty, seeking to become the leading accelerator of energy transition via sustainable decarbonization of public transportation in Europe.
Safra offers solutions that perfectly meet transportation authorities’ needs for transitioning to decarbonized fleets: manufacturing and selling hydrogen buses, hydrogen retrofits for diesel-powered coaches, renovation, and heavy maintenance for passenger transportation vehicles as well as a full customer service. More informations www.safra.fr