Iveco Bus supplies 25 articulated e-buses for Saint-Nazaire’s electric BRT network in France

Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration has inaugurated the entry into service of its first articulated electric buses, supplied by Iveco Bus under the HélYce+ electromobility project.

On 28 January, the French coastal agglomeration officially marked the start of operations of 25 articulated battery-electric buses on the electric Bus Rapid Transit lines of the Stran public transport network. The vehicles, GX 437 ELEC LINIUM models (marketed in Europe as E-WAY LINIUM), entered service on 24 January and represent the first articulated electric buses deployed in Saint-Nazaire.

HélYce+ project and vehicle deployment

The delivery forms part of the wider HélYce+ project, which aims to electrify and expand the agglomeration’s high-capacity bus system. As part of the programme, Iveco Bus has supplied an initial batch of 25 articulated electric buses, with a further 15 units scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030. Once completed, the fleet will comprise a total of 40 articulated electric buses operating on the BRT corridors.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by David Samzun, President of the Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration and Mayor of Saint-Nazaire; Christophe Cotta, Vice-President for Mobility of the agglomeration and Chairman of Stran; Sylvain Rochat, Managing Director of Stran; and several local elected representatives.

To implement the HélYce+ project, Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration selected a joint technical offer submitted by Iveco Bus in partnership with ABB E-mobility and Dalkia Electrotechnics. The scope of the contract covers not only the supply of electric buses but also the associated charging infrastructure and energy management systems.

The articulated buses are equipped with an upward pantograph charging system. The project also includes five terminal charging stations and a depot fitted with transformers, chargers and 40 charging domes for overnight charging. ABB supplied the charging equipment, while Dalkia Electrotechnics was responsible for installation works. The technical package further includes supervision and smart charging systems, as well as one year of maintenance services for the vehicles.

“Ycéo and Hélyce are more than just a transport network; they represent a new way of designing public space in Saint-Nazaire and across the agglomeration, with more dedicated bus lanes, more cycle lanes, wider pavements and spaces redesigned for pedestrians. This means concretely building a more united, inclusive and peaceful city. Complemented by 100% electric buses for better air quality and reduced noise, this more accessible network strengthens our region’s resilience to climate change, for the benefit of the health of our fellow citizens, passengers and residents,” said David Samzun, Mayor of Saint-Nazaire and President of Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration.

“Offering a complete system means fully assuming the role of a true partner. We are proud to support the transformation of the public transport network in Saint-Nazaire towards mobility that is more sustainable, more innovative and more pleasant on a daily basis. By combining three areas of expertise, we are delivering a reliable, high-performance and quiet solution for the benefit of all,” said Giorgio Zino, Head of Iveco Bus Commercial Operations in Europe.