Siemens Partners with Unibuss to Enhance Oslo's Electric Bus

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has announced a significant new partnership with Unibuss, one of the leading bus operators in the Greater Oslo region.

The technology giant has secured a contract to deliver its Depot360 Managed Services solution, a comprehensive approach to optimising electric fleet and charging infrastructure operations.

The collaboration reinforces Siemens' presence in the Norwegian market and marks a major step forward in the country's journey toward sustainable transportation.

Alan White, Head of Emerging Transportation Platforms at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, emphasises the importance of this partnership: "As we look to accelerate the electrification of transportation, Siemens is keen to innovate with forward-thinking organisations such as Unibuss. Depot360 Managed Services, part of our digital business platform Siemens Xcelerator, will be a game-changer for Unibuss' operations.

"We look forward to demonstrating how our data-driven platform and expert NOC team can deliver more reliable, efficient and transparent fleet operations, even in the most challenging environments."

Norway's electric mobility

Norway is renowned for its leadership in transitioning to electric mobility, setting an example globally.

By partnering with Unibuss, Siemens aims to contribute to the trend by bringing its innovative Depot360 solution to Oslo's public transportation system.

Depot360 Managed Services is tailored to address the unique challenges of operating electric bus fleets, including those presented by harsh winter conditions, which are common in Norway. The solution ensures 24/7 monitoring of vehicle charging, a critical component for maintaining reliable service.

With smart charging capabilities at its core, Depot360 optimises energy delivery to electric buses, ensuring they receive the precise amount of energy they need without putting undue strain on the grid. The technology enables remote monitoring of charging status, enhancing operational stability and reducing overall energy consumption.

Siemens Xcelerator: Empowering digital transformation

Depot360 is integral to the Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform designed to help customers accelerate their digital transformation.

The Xcelerator ecosystem allows organisations to implement advanced digital solutions more seamlessly, quickly and at scale.

For Unibuss, the adoption of Depot360 represents a significant milestone in its mission to lead the charge toward greener, more sustainable public transportation.

The company, a subsidiary of Oslo's municipal transport company Sporveien AS, operates one of the largest electric bus fleets in the Nordics with 259 electric buses, transporting 70 million passengers annually across 51 routes.

Henrik Anderberg, Technical Director at Unibuss, explains: "Transitioning to electric fleets is a vital step for Norway to achieve its ambitious climate goals and for setting a global example for greener transportation. So too, it's important to implement the right technology to optimise electric fleets' efficiency.

"With Depot360 Managed Services, we can enhance the efficiency of our operations by optimising charging, reducing energy costs and improving route completion rates. Such streamlining of operations supports our sustainability goals, helping us contribute to a greener future and reduce our carbon footprint in public transportation."

Proactive fleet management with Siemens' NOC

A key component of Depot360's value proposition is its AI-driven platform, supported by Siemens' 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC).

The facility uses fleet-centric algorithms to monitor and manage the charging infrastructure's real-time performance. By leveraging data-driven insights, the NOC team can proactively identify and address potential issues, ensuring Unibuss' electric buses remain operational during peak demand or adverse weather conditions.

Innovative features like load shifting and peak shaving further help Unibuss reduce energy costs while maximising the efficiency of its fleet. This proactive approach not only saves money but also enhances the reliability of public transportation in the Greater Oslo area.

Driving the future of electric public transport

This collaboration between Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Unibuss underscores the critical role of technology in advancing sustainable mobility.

By integrating Depot360 Managed Services into its operations, Unibuss can optimise charging routines, reduce operational costs and significantly lower its carbon footprint, setting a new standard for public transportation in the region.

As Siemens continues to expand its Depot360 footprint in Norway and beyond, this partnership with Unibuss is a testament to their shared vision of a cleaner, more efficient future for urban mobility.

Make sure you check out the latest edition of EV Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024. 

EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.