Sagalés, one of the largest Catalan bus transport services companies, has just taken another step in its fleet electrification strategy. A path that, according to his CEO, Ramon Sagalés, recognizes, “is neither easy nor cheap.”
Next week, the company will launch the first 100% electric interurban bus line in Vallès Oriental, which has required an investment of close to 2.5 million euros, including the purchase of the three vehicles that will cover the route and the adaptation of the facilities – three Jema brand fast chargers and an energy transformation center with capacity for nine more chargers.
The Generalitat of Catalonia has contributed 250,000 euros through a subsidy for its start-up, which also has aid from European funds of 100,000 euros for each of the three vehicles. “We have not yet received these funds and we have paid for the rest,” says Sagalés.
The manufacturer of the vehicles is the Chinese electric automotive giant BYD, a company that is accelerating its entry into the continent and that has the European sector with its swords raised. Renault CEO Luca de Meo lashed out on the Chinese automobile industry on Tuesday and called for a European strategy to maintain the local industry.
In the case of Sagalés, the company launched a tender in which a dozen companies participated, both Chinese and European, as well as Turkish. BYD was the one that submitted the most attractive offer and won the tender to supply the three buses. The Chinese company has also helped Sagalés train its mechanics and drivers to adapt to the technical needs of electric buses, with a price much higher than those with combustion engines. The former cost about 550,000 euros compared to 250,000 for a diesel bus. Additionally, due to the weight of the battery and other components, electric intercity vehicles have a lower passenger capacity. Hence, the CEO defends the need for public administrations to help in the transition to electric mobility. With a fleet of 770 vehicles, 2% of Sagalés buses are electric –from different manufacturers–, 11% are natural gas and 5% are hybrid, with the intention of increasing the electric share.
The family company earned 125 million euros last year, 8.6% more. The forecast for 2024 is to grow by 10% and increase presence outside Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
