Turin, Italy- Iveco Group N.V., has officially placed its first 25 articulated electric buses into service for the Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration in France, marking a major milestone in the region’s transition to zero-emission public transport. The buses, delivered under the HélYce+ electromobility project, are GX 437 ELEC LINIUM models marketed in Europe as the E-WAY LINIUM and are now operating on the electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines of the Stran network.
To deliver the HélYce+ project, the Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration selected a joint technical solution from IVECO BUS and its partners ABB E-mobility and Dalkia Electrotechnics. The comprehensive package covers not only the supply of electric buses but also the charging infrastructure at depots and terminal stations, along with supervision and smart charging systems.
The first batch of 25 GX 437 ELEC LINIUM buses has been in operation on the BRT network since 24 January 2026. A further 15 articulated electric buses will be delivered between 2027 and 2030, increasing the total fleet to 40 vehicles.
The official inauguration ceremony was attended by David Samzun, President of the Saint-Nazaire Agglomeration; Christophe Cotta, Vice-President for Mobility and Chairman of Stran; local elected officials; and Sylvain Rochat, Managing Director of Stran.
Mr. David Samzun, Mayor of Saint-Nazaire and President of the Agglomeration, said the HélYce and Ycéo networks represent a new vision for urban mobility, reshaping public space with dedicated bus lanes, improved pedestrian areas and expanded cycling infrastructure. He added that the introduction of fully electric buses improves air quality, reduces noise, and strengthens the region’s resilience to climate change.
Mr. Giorgio Zino, Head of Commercial Operations Europe at IVECO BUS, highlighted the importance of delivering a complete mobility system. He said the partnership combines vehicle supply, infrastructure and services to provide a reliable, high-performance and quiet transport solution that supports the long-term transformation of Saint-Nazaire’s public transport network.
Beyond supplying the articulated electric buses equipped with upward pantograph charging systems IVECO BUS is also providing one year of maintenance services. The project includes five terminal stations and a fully equipped bus depot featuring transformers, chargers and 40 overnight charging domes supplied by ABB and installed by Dalkia Electrotechnics.