What’s next for electrification in Europe? Hitachi’s Systems Approach
Europe is no longer asking why it should electrify, but how to do it at scale. The answer lies in treating electrification as an interconnected system spanning energy, vehicles, data and finance, rather than simply replacing a diesel vehicle with an electric one. Hitachi brings together its energy, mobility and digital capabilities to help organizations across Europe solve that challenge.
Priya Nagra, Digital Incubation Lead, EMEA, Hitachi explains why electrification should be viewed as an integrated system approach and how Hitachi can build on a history of successful electrification projects to power what’s next.
What is holding back electrification in Europe?
Corporate fleets represent around 60% of new car sales in Europe, which puts fleet operators at the center of the transition. But as electrification accelerates, operators face tighter grid capacity, higher energy costs, and high upfront costs combined with limited access to capital.
Why is electrification a systems challenge?
For Europe, getting this right matters beyond fleets. When transport electrification is planned together with the grid, it supports energy security, cleaner cities and the long-term competitiveness of the European industry.
How does Hitachi help organizations electrify at scale?
Hitachi helps organizations electrify at scale by tackling energy, vehicles, digital and finance together, drawing on its expertise across energy, mobility and digital technology, and working with partners across the value chain. Our digital solutions turn data from batteries and chargers into insights that help operators manage performance and give financers the reassurance they need to invest. Combined with new financing models, this helps lower the barriers to electrification and makes the transition more practical and affordable.
Proven in practice: from cars and vans to buses, trains and trucks
Hitachi has been building its electrification expertise through European projects.
2019 - Optimise Prime, the world’s largest commercial electric vehicle trial, which showed that commercial EV fleets can be rolled out at scale.
2021 - Hitachi partnered with First Bus to electrify bus fleet operations.
2023 - Hitachi was named as principal data partner in GRIDSERVE’s electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) project designed to kick-start eHGV implementation in the UK.
2024 - Hitachi, Angel Trains and TransPennine successfully completed the UK’s first trial of an intercity battery train.
2026 - Hitachi and MUFG expanded NextGen, a business co-creation model designed to support the transition to decarbonized mobility.
What’s next for Hitachi?
Hitachi is applying what it has learned on the road to more complex electrification challenges such as the maritime sector. From shore-to-ship power and port electrification solutions to the data and energy management needed to run more sustainable, efficient ports.
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