Heramba Electric scores $26m deal to supercharge Seattle’s electric buses

Heramba Electric plc (NASDAQ: PITA), a leading technology firm dedicated to the decarbonization of public and commercial transportation, has secured a major contract worth $26 million. This agreement involves its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kiepe Electric, and marks a significant enhancement to King County Metro’s electric trolley bus fleet in Seattle, Washington.

Transforming Urban Transportation with Cutting-Edge Battery Technology

This substantial three-year contract will see Kiepe Electric implement a state-of-the-art battery upgrade program designed to bolster the In Motion Charging (IMC) capability of King County Metro’s electric trolley buses. The upgraded battery packs will deliver approximately three times the capacity of the current energy storage systems (ESS), ensuring more efficient and reliable operation. The delivery of these advanced battery packs is scheduled for late 2024, and Kiepe Electric will also provide comprehensive on-site service support for up to five years.

The new battery technology promises to enhance the e-mobility network in King County, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and an improvement in public transportation services. By increasing the operational efficiency of these electric buses, the project aligns with King County Metro’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly transit solutions.

Expanding Influence in the North American Market

This latest contract builds on Kiepe Electric’s recent success with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), marking a significant increase in the company’s North American market presence. Together with the Chicago project, the new Seattle contract brings Heramba Electric’s US order intake for 2024 to over $75 million. This expansion underscores the company’s robust market position and its growing role in the North American e-mobility sector.

Michele Molinari, Chief Executive Officer of Heramba Electric, highlighted the strategic significance of these recent deals: “These contracts demonstrate our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, made-in-USA products while leveraging German engineering expertise. We are poised to take advantage of the burgeoning opportunities in the US market for high-power charging stations and other advanced technologies.”

Committed to Sustainable Development

Alexander Ketterl, CEO of Kiepe Electric, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing environmental sustainability: “Seattle and King County are among the most environmentally conscious regions in the United States. We are thrilled to contribute to their sustainability goals with our IMC® technology. This battery upgrade is a crucial step toward reducing emissions and advancing public transportation with cutting-edge technology.”

The upgraded battery packs will be installed in 174 electric trolley buses that were delivered to King County Metro between 2014 and 2017. Kiepe Electric’s IMC technology allows these buses to travel more than seven miles between overhead wire connections, utilizing compact batteries that charge during brief overhead wire sections. This extended range and improved efficiency support King County Metro’s objective of providing eco-friendly public transit and align with the city’s broader environmental goals.

Leading the Way in Electrification

As the complexity of electrification in public transportation grows, Kiepe Electric is gaining recognition for its ability to provide comprehensive support throughout the product lifecycle. The company is dedicated to offering innovative solutions, including upgrades for existing vehicles, to enhance the energy efficiency and performance of electric transport systems.