The global transportation industry has long faced a daunting challenge: balancing the necessity of transportation with the environmental impact of carbon emissions and air pollution. However, a transformative change is on the horizon — a shift toward fleet electrification that promises a cleaner, greener future.

Trucks and buses, constituting less than 8% of vehicles on the road, contribute over 35% of direct CO2 emissions from road transport. This alarming statistic has propelled nations into action. Twenty-seven countries have committed to a 30% reduction in emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2030. Simultaneously, a nine-nation group aims for 100% zero-emission trucks and buses by 2035.

The transition to electric buses and trucks presents challenges in pricing, operations, and infrastructure. However, significant progress has been made. In 2022, nearly 66,000 electric buses and 60,000 medium- to heavy-duty trucks hit the roads worldwide, reflecting a growing trend. Battery technology advancements have played a pivotal role, enabling longer driving ranges and operational efficiency. As lithium-ion battery prices continue to drop, fleet electrification is becoming not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.

Hitachi, a global leader in transportation solutions, is at the forefront of this electrification revolution. Partnering with organizations like the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) in Quebec, Hitachi is providing innovative solutions like the Grid-eMotion® Fleet, an integrated charging system designed to fit the needs of existing urban garages. This technology not only reduces the space required for large-scale EV fleet charging but also simplifies the deployment of electrification infrastructure.

As the world races toward carbon neutrality, fleet electrification is crucial for a sustainable mobility future. With technology partners like Hitachi, the vision of a cleaner, greener transportation industry is steadily becoming a reality.