Plugit signs a frame contract with VR Sverige AB
Plugit signs a frame contract with VR Sverige AB to partner up and ensure charging solutions that cover business needs throughout the life cycle of emission-free transport.
VR Sverige AB and the charging technology company Plugit Sweden AB signed a frame contract to supply charging as a service to ensure smooth operations for VR Sverige’s emission-free electric buses. The first joint charging system and services for electric buses were opened in the end of September 2024 in Kristianstad, Sweden.
Building a smart and welcoming urban environment while enabling carbon-neutral areas will bring electric buses to the streets of Kristianstad. Public transport is subject to stringent security and reliability requirements, so fleet charging must be deeply integrated into overall transport planning. To keep the new electric bus traffic running smoothly, the highest business standards also require charging solutions to maintain the highest operational reliability. VR Sverige AB chose Plugit Sweden to continue cooperation thanks to its comprehensive service concept and commitment to Charging-as-a-Service and life-cycle services.
The journey to emissions-free transport continues.
The first joint charging stations for electric buses will be set up in Näsby, Kristianstad, and will be ready for operations in October 2024. One of the most important prerequisites for VR Sverige AB was the operational reliability of charging. From the outset, Plugit designed a durable solution for implementing a charging system for the public transport fleet of 24 electric buses. Plugit’s solution ensures that charging is available whenever needed. The entire project is being carried out in cooperation with Region Skåne (PTA) and the local team at VR Sverige AB.
Anders Frykman, Director of the Bus Division at VR Sverige AB, commented: “We are proud and happy to announce that Plugit is our frame contract partner for charging services. As a long-term partner of VR Group, Plugit has successfully implemented the electrification of our bus depots as a comprehensive service in Finland. Plugit is a leading provider of charging solutions for all kinds of electric vehicles. Their capability to offer us Charging-as-a-Service is crucial. For these reasons, Plugit has been a natural choice for us.”
Tommi Saarela, CEO of Plugit, added: “Plugit has been VR Group’s (Pohjolan Liikenne) trusted partner in building and maintaining intelligent and critical charging systems for electric buses in Finland for years, and the cooperation has worked seamlessly. We are excited to officially partner with VR Sverige AB. Our growth strategy in the Nordic and Baltic countries as a Charging-as-a-Service partner means we can support our existing global partners across borders with the same quality as expected in Finland.”
About Plugit
Plugit was founded in Finland in 2012. As an infrastructure developer, Plugit builds “green corridors and zones” for moving goods and people. Our commitment is to decarbonize commercial transportation via these specific trade routes in and between major cities and ports. Right now, we are creating cross-industry partnerships to accelerate the shift to reduce CO2 emissions.
Plugit’s Charging-as-a-Service includes the Plugit Cloud charging management system, DC chargers, and Plugit ICMS dynamic power management. ICMS manages internal power distribution of the equipment and, if necessary, limits consumption according to subscription limits. Plugit maintains service and uptime for the entire system’s lifetime, which can extend beyond 10 years.
About VR Sverige AB
VR Sverige AB is owned by the Finnish VR Group, which in turn is owned by the Finnish state. VR has operated trains, buses, and trams in Finland for 160 years. Together, we take great environmental responsibility and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of traffic and society’s carbon footprint.
VR Sverige AB is responsible for the operation of Pågatågen in southern Sweden on behalf of Skånetrafiken. Other tasks for Skånetrafiken include bus traffic in Helsingborg and Kristianstad. In Östergötland, VR is also responsible for the Östgötapendeln on behalf of Östgötatrafiken and regional train traffic for Tåg i Bergslagen. In June 2025, VR Sweden will begin operating the X-tåg, and later that year, Norrtåg. In Stockholm, VR runs buses, trams, and local trains on behalf of SL. With approximately 2,300 employees, 300 buses, 160 trains, and 70 trams, we create modern transport solutions where safety always comes first.
More information:
Tuomas Mäkelä, Plugit Finland, Professional Transport, Head of Business Unit, tuomas.makela@plugit.fi, tel. +358 40 5612 425
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