Blue Solutions and Bluebus, subsidiaries of the Bolloré Group, and Forsee Power have signed two memorandums of understanding to launch two new collaborative projects: initiate the development of 100%-French solid-state battery systems and integrate the latest lithium-ion battery systems to expand the range of 6-meter and 12-meter buses.
The three partners state that the new solid-state-battery will reach the market in 2026. They call it the battery of the future. Blue Solutions is producing a solid-state-battery since 2011. Forsee Power is specialized in smart battery systems, designs and manufactures high value-added lithium-ion battery systems for heavy and light mobility applications. The new generation of battery cell (GEN4) will according to Blue Solutions and Forsee Power be able to maintain its capacity throughout its lifetime and will meet the exact requirements of operators and manufacturers in terms of speed of charge, durability, and safety. Bluebus will offer – in addition to its current LMP® range – 6 and 12-meter buses equipped with high energy density lithium-ion NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery systems FORSEE ZEN PLUS and FORSEE ZEN SLIM. ZEN SLIM is available in modules of 11, 16 or 21 kWh and will equip the 6-meter Bluebus.
Thanks to its ultra-thin design, it can meet the most demanding volume constraints. The in 2022 launched ZEN PLUS battery system will be used in the 12-metre Bluebus. ZEN PLUS consists of 28 to 32 modules delivering 74 kWh to 84 kWh. NMC lithium-ion cells, combined with efficient liquid thermal management and addressing all climate zones, will according to the manufacturer offer a lifetime of 5,000 cycles to ZEN SLIM and ZEN PLUS systems. The Blue Solutions and Bluebus production sites are located in Ergué-Gabéric in Brittany and employ nearly 500 people in a total area of 20,000 sqm, with respective capacities of 300 MWh and 300 buses per year. Forsee Power employs 350 people in France, including nearly 200 in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, where the battery systems for the Bluebus will be produced.