Clermont-Ferrand advances on e-mobility public transportation with Hitachi Energy’s ultra-fast charging technology

Press Release | Clermont-Ferrand, France | 27.03.2026 | 2 min read

Grid-eMotion Flash powers the city’s new electric trambus lines, delivering efficiency and scalability for the future.
Charging infrastructure ensures full interoperability with current and future electric fleets, supporting simultaneous charging of up to 40 vehicles and ready to scale as demand grows.
InspiRe is a regional initiative driving the electrification of public transportation as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development and improved social equity.

Hitachi Energy has successfully deployed its Grid-eMotion® Flash technology in Clermont-Ferrand, marking a significant advancement in sustainable mobility. The innovation delivers cleaner air, more reliable public transport, and reduced waiting times for local residents, improving their daily lives.

The deployment is part of InspiRe, a flagship initiative that reflects the environmental and urban transition priorities and commitments of the Syndicat Mixte des Transports en commun de l’Agglomération Clermontoise (SMTC-AC). This major project is reshaping the entire urban transport network across Clermont-Ferrand and its metropolis. It combines electrification with extensive infrastructure upgrades to reduce emissions and deliver a more inclusive mobility system that connects a quarter of the population and half of its workforce.

Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader in electrification, is committed to supporting SMTC-AC’s initiative with its cutting-edge Grid-eMotion Flash technology. This efficient, reliable, and robust solution has delivered major global successes worldwide, including Europe and Asia. In Nantes, France, the ultra-fast charging solution received the "Operational and Technological Excellence" award at the 6th edition of the International Union of Public Transport (UITP) Awards.

The ETS (Energy Transfer System) solution truly represents optimization, adaptation, and efficiency. We are able to manage energy as closely as possible and use it carefully and in line with the energy transition that should inspire us all.

Stéphane PANIN
Project Director
SMTC-AC

Electrification is at the heart of the energy transition, and public transport plays a critical role in cities’ sustainability journey.

Supporting initiatives like InspiRe demonstrates how collaboration can deliver real impact for communities, reducing emissions, improving air quality, and shaping the mobility systems of tomorrow.

Marco Berardi
Head of Grid & Power Quality and Service
Hitachi Energy

Since 2022, Hitachi Energy has been engaged with SMTC-AC on the electrification of Clermont-Ferrand’s new bus rapid transit (BRT) charging system. Grid-eMotion Flash enables ultra-fast charging – approximately 20 seconds at selected stops and a few minutes at terminal stations – keeping high-frequency routes running smoothly without relying on depot-only charging. Its advantages include:

Performance and operability: the automated overhead energy transfer system (ETS) ensures quick and reliable charging at stations, reducing waiting times. By minimizing battery size, the solution increases passenger capacity while maintaining efficiency
Emission reduction: integration of the technology for the BRT operations significantly reduces the environmental footprint, supporting decarbonization goals
Economic advantages: savings of 30 percent in operational costs as compared to diesel fleets, providing commercial value to operators while promoting a healthier urban environment

Official service launch

Clermont Auvergne Métropole officially launched the new public transport network, including BRT lines B and C, as part of the InspiRe rollout. The milestone was celebrated in grand style on Dec. 20, with a full day of festivities across the city and aboard the electric buses. Hitachi Energy was present at the inauguration, reaffirming its commitment to continuing to work toward urban and environmental energy transition goals.

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
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About Hitachi, Ltd.

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at https://www.hitachi.com.