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Image credits: Ebusco

Ebusco, a Dutch electric bus and charging infrastructure manufacturer, announced that it has acquired 40 per cent share capital of Zero Emission Services (ZES) from ENGIE. The announcement came on Friday, March 18. 

According to Ebusco, the acquisition will help them to work together towards a better environment by enabling safe, emission-free and affordable transportation ecosystems. 

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With this acquisition, ZES can integrate Ebusco’s experience with heavy-duty batteries and battery management systems in its inland shipping model. 

Ebusco says the Mobile Energy Containers (MEC), which was developed as a part of its energy storage systems, could be perfectly integrated into the ZES concept. 

“ZES’ experience in the inland shipping market and Ebusco’s experience in the electrification of the bus market can increase their joint impact in the maritime sector,” mentions the press release. 

ZES is expected to benefit from the Ebusco Live software platform to further develop its offering and the efficiency of its solutions.

Zero Emission Services: What you need to know

ZES was founded in 2020 by ING bank, energy and technical service provider ENGIE, maritime technology company Wärtsilä, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

The company offers a range of products and services, based on interchangeable battery containers charged with renewable power, charging stations, technical support, and a pay-per-use concept for ship owners.

In September, 2021, the first emission-free inland shipping vessel, with energy containers from ZES, commenced operation. 

Ebusco: What you need to know

Founded by Peter Bijvelds, Ebusco is dedicated to the development, production, and bringing to market of the fully electric city and regional buses and the associated ecosystem. 

At the moment more than 300 Ebusco buses are operating in seven countries across Europe, including major cities such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Munich.

Last month, Ebusco signed a contract with the Metropole Rouen Normandy, France, for a total of up to 80 Ebusco buses. The contract comprises four Ebusco 2.2 buses, to be delivered around year-end 2022, and an option to purchase 76 additional Ebusco 3.0 buses, which will be delivered in batches between 2023 and 2026.

Earlier this year, Ebusco expanded its customer base to Germany as it received an order from Südwestdeutsche Landesverkehrs-GmbH (SWEG) for 10 Ebusco 2.2 buses and 10 Ebusco chargers.

Peter Bijvelds, CEO of Ebusco, says, “We are excited about this transaction, an important step for Ebusco in this very promising sector. We are convinced that Ebusco’s participation in ZES can bring accelerated growth in the adoption of electric inland shipping. Together we can lead the way in this virtually untapped market. We are looking forward to working with the other shareholders and the ZES team to make clean, emission-free inland shipping the new standard.”