Everyday mobility is a priority for the Centre-Val de Loire Region, as evidenced by the creation in 2017 of the unique Rémi multimodal network. For President François Bonneau, “Mobility is an essential element in rural areas. We must do better and more in a new environmental paradigm of changing energy modes: switching from diesel to electric for 500 coaches by 2028, experimenting with hydrogen on the railways. »
To accelerate this decarbonization, in 2023, Transdev tested the first retrofitted coach approved in Europe on a school circuit. « Order for 20 vehicles (1) of this type, including 10 for the department of Indre-et-Loire, made it possible to move from experimentation to industrialization for the largest fleet in Europe.explains Édouard Henaut, general director of Transdev France.
“Convert a thermal vehicle to electric”
« The retrofit consists of converting a thermal vehicle to electric by replacing the engine, gearbox, tank, exhaust, etc. with an electric motor, lithium battery system, energy chain calculator, accessories for secondary functions. Result, silence, no maintenance, longevity, zero carbon emissions and €0.30/km. Unused surplus energy from batteries is used to power other needs »comments Emmanuel Flahaut of the company Retrofleet, created in 2020, which produces in France in Chambéry and assembles in five sites in France.
Intermodality
On the bike shelter side, there are eighteen secure spaces, e-bike charging, photovoltaic and tool terminal. “But more than a parking space, it is an invitation to adopt soft mobility and combine train and bicycle”estimates Fabrice Ruel, mayor of Langeais, recalling that the station saw 360,000 passengers in 2024.
-And requesting in passing an improvement in the accessibility of the platforms. « A credit is provided in the budget »replies Philippe Fournier, vice-president of transport.
(1) For a total cost of 4.5 million euros with the support of Ademe.
