French public transport operator has removed nearly 150 electric buses from the streets of Paris “as a precaution” following vehicle fires on two of the buses.
After the first fire on 04 April and a second blaze on Friday [29 April] RATP suspended use of the Bluebus 5SE EVs from manufacturer Bollore.
The number 71 bus which caught fire in southeast Paris early Friday released thick clouds of black smoke and a strong smell of burning plastic, according to an AFP journalist on the scene.
“The bus driver immediately evacuated all the passengers. Nobody was hurt,” RATP said, while the city fire service said the blaze was put out by around 30 firefighters.
News outlet France 24 described Bluebird as part of “the sprawling empire of French billionaire Vincent Bollore, whose interests range from transport and logistics to media, generating around €24bn (£20.1) per year in revenue”.
Bollore’s 12-metre electric buses are advertised as 100% electric and the company’s website reads “buses are fitted with a new generation of batteries… with high energy density and optimal safety” spread around the roof and rear of the vehicle.
