Qbuzz dispatches e-buses integrated with IVU.suite

Qbuzz will start dispatching all its vehicles serving its Groningen and Drenthe, Netherlands, concession using a single system, IVU Traffic Technologies (IVU), which is implementing an integrated depot management system for more than 400 diesel and electric buses.

IVU says Qbuzz has been using products from the IVU.suite for over ten years: More than 900 vehicles are now equipped with the on-board computer IVU.box and provide a reliable service in the Netherlands thanks to the traffic control system IVU.fleet. To achieve efficient deployment of the roughly 160 electric buses that Qbuzz operates in the Groningen and Drenthe region, IVU is now also supplying the integrated dispatch and depot management system IVU.vehicle.   For rostering, IVU.vehicle automatically considers the current recharge statuses and anticipates remaining ranges of the e-buses and assists by making appropriate suggestions. Directly connected to the vehicle working dispatch, it enables IVU.vehicle to formulate the best possible plan for the charging infrastructure and parking at the depot in order to ensure reliable operation.

The ITCS continuously monitors the recharge status and remaining range during transport operations – and warns traffic control personnel if the energy level is insufficient.

“The IVU.suite gives us not just individual functional modules but also an integrated solution for the various process steps involved in operating electric buses,” said Gerrit Spijksma, CEO, Qbuzz. “At the same time, the IVU solution brings all vehicles together in a single system, so it makes no difference whether diesel or battery-powered vehicles are out on the road.”   Matthias Rust, CTO of IVU Traffic Technologies, added, “The order from Qbuzz underlines the fact that the IVU.suite is fit for the future of electromobility. It provides our customers with an integrated solution for all the challenges that deploying electric buses brings. We look forward to accompanying further customers on the path towards electromobility in future.”

As part of the joint venture e-bus solutions, IVU is developing software solutions specifically for the requirements of electric buses in close partnership with RWTH Aachen University.