The total number of city buses with alternative drivelines in European Union 27 countries plus the UK, Norway (NO), Iceland (ICE) and Switzerland (EU 27+4) totalled 13,466 units  comprising 6,354 electric buses (excludes trolley buses), 4,022 hybrid-electric buses, 2,883 CNG buses and 207, hydrogen (fuel cell) buses.

The 149 e-buses, which had been removed pending investigation of a fire, are being after a detailed report was sent to RATP in Paris explaining the main cause of the fire and the actions being taken to rectify the problem. The Bollore Group attributed the fire to “the assembly of an electronic component which caused a short-circuit between the cells making up the battery packs.“

In the heavy vehicle segment, the company sold 145,506 battery units in 2023 compared with 87,844 the previous year, a change of +65.6%. Conversely, in the light vehicle segment, 2023 sales rose to 25,831, a +11.5% increase from 2022 figures (23,175). Analysing total sales, 2023 saw a 54.3% growth, to 171,338, from 2022 sales figures of 111,019.

The initial phase will target hydrogen refuelling stations (under the TotalEnergies brand) in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany over the next three years.

Sophie Tricaud, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Forsee Power in response to T&BB confirmed that building works in Ohio is now complete and that the production lines were being installed, with series production scheduled to start in Q3 2024.

The company is set to supply BAE Systems with its Forsee Zen Plus battery system to equip BAE’s Gen3 powertrain on a class 7 demonstration truck. The batteries will be produced at Forsee’s new manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio, beginning in Q1 2024.

Beginning in 2025, Forvia will supply its Type IV hydrogen storage systems for medium-duty commercial trucks in the North American market.

Jill Greene is appointed as the Executive Vice-President, Group General Counsel and Board Secretary whilst MA Chuan has been appointed Executive Vice-President of China. Both will report directly to CEO, Patrick Koller.

As the new Chief Technical and Operations Officer, Joel Theut will lead all operations relating to the company’s supply chain, R&D and innovation, bringing over 30 years of international automotive experience in product development, business development and project management.

Tasked with stabilising the company’s finances, Meyer brings more than 20 years of experience in international finance.

The planned facility will cover 46,000 square metres and employ more than 500 workers, engaged in storing and distributing spare parts as well as electric vehicle batteries.

At the show, Hyvia presented a Renault Master van with fuel cell electric driveline which was converted into a workshop vehicle by Kollé of Santeny.