Advanced energy solutions provider Enel X and British commercial EV manufacturer Arrival have entered into a partnership to test the latter’s zero-emission battery-electric bus in Italy.
The tests will be carried out by Enel X on the basis of an analysis matrix developed in-house, to evaluate the main features of the Arrival Bus.
The tests will be performed at the Vallelunga racing circuit, situated some situated 32km north of Rome, where Enel X Way’s charging services and solutions will be used to charge the vehicle.
Should the tests prove successful, Enel, the parent company of Enel X, which manufactures and distributes electricity and gas, said it plans to include the Arrival Bus within its portfolio of global electrification solutions as part of efforts to serve more than 20,000 electric buses by 2030.
“The partnership with Arrival is another important step towards achieving our goals of electrifying public transport globally,” said Francesco Venturini, CEO of Enel X.
“Public transport authorities face significant challenges in making cities smarter and more sustainable, and by offering our public transport solutions together with our many years of global experience, we want to give solid support to make this a reality.
“Arrival Buses look very promising. They are a technologically advanced means of transport that, if integrated within our value offer, can potentially provide operators and end users with the best possible customer experience.”
Enel X is currently one of the the world’s largest suppliers of e-bus solutions outside China, operating more than 3,200 electric buses globally.
It’s so-called ‘e-Bus as a Service’ solution can include design support, vehicles, financing options, battery leasing, customised management system platforms, Enel X Way charging infrastructure solutions, depot construction, renewable energy sources, virtual power plant integration, including demand response schemes and smart mobility services.
“We are very excited to partner with Enel X and Enel X Way to assist bus operators and cities around the world as they accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, bringing cleaner air to our cities,” said Avinash Rugoobur, president of Arrival. “Our electric bus aims to set new standards in passenger experience while reducing costs for operators.”
Arrival recently achieved EU certification and received European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EUWVTA), marking a critical step toward Arrival Buses carrying passengers on public roads in the UK and Europe.
