During the European Mobility Exhibition, to be held in Paris, at the Porte de Versailles
exhibition center, from June 12 to 14, IVECO BUS officially handed the keys to one of its 41
Bus Rapid Transit 18-meter Crealis hybrid buses to the TADAO network. It is the 500th Crealis
manufactured at the Annonay plant, in the Ardèche region of France.
The vehicle, unveiled during an exclusive concert at the Liévin Stadium, on May 5, features
the new TADAO visual identity.
At the European Mobility Exhibition, Sylvain Blaise, Vice-President of IVECO, in charge of
IVECO BUS, officially handed the keys of the 500th Crealis to the executives of the TADAO
network. These vehicles will be operated between the main cities of the former mining area
(including Lens, Liévin, Béthune, Hénin-Beaumont, Carvin and Bruay-La-Buissière). Their use
will substantially improve public transport in the region with a high level of service and strong
community engagement.
TADAO’s 41 18-meter Crealis hybrid buses can accommodate a large number of passengers
(up to 157) and benefit from an ultra-modern and bright interior thanks to their large windows
and LED lights. Passengers will experience unrivalled comfort. The Crealis’ design is boosted
by its dynamic look and high end interior, and conveys a positive image of urban areas. Both
the bus and the bellows display the inhabitants’ favorite symbols, a first on this type of vehicle.
The arrival of the 41 Bus Rapid Transit Crealis signal a new step in the evolution of the
network, its image and visual identity.
"Hybrid buses are testament to our commitment to energy transition and the domestic
economy. They currently represent the best offering in relation to our expectations: they
convey a great image of our region thanks to a unique design and exceptional comfort,”
commented Mr. Sirop, CEO of the Artois-Gohelle SMT (Transport Authority).
The vehicle on display, along with the rest of the fleet, will enable local people will provide
local people with improved air quality. By selecting hybrid technology, the Artois-Gohelle SMT
and the TADAO network are taking a step towards electro-mobility. The Crealis hybrid version
was designed to drastically reduce polluting emissions and fuel consumption, while ensuring
cleaner mobility. The vehicle is equipped with an electric motor coupled with a Euro VI engine
and a pack of latest generation lithium ion batteries. A drive train management system
optimizes fuel consumption and polluting emissions, while the kinetic energy produced when
braking, is collected and stored.
The "Start & Go" functionality enables the vehicle to stop and restart in 100% electric mode,
meaning zero emission at stop signs and traffic lights. Fuel consumption is reduced by 30%
and CO2 emissions can be reduced up to 30% compared to diesel buses; that is the equivalent of 35 tons
of CO2 – or the weight of two buses – that are no longer released in the
air every year. A significant benefit in terms of economic and environment sustainability.
The 320hp Tector 7 engine, compatible with HVO biodiesel, enables enhanced performance,
whilst reducing carbon emissions by up to 90% vs a traditional diesel engine.
"We are delighted that the Artois-Gohelle SMT chose us, clearly positioning us as the point of
reference both for energy transition and high end mobility services. This is a tribute to French
know-how,”
said Sylvain Blaise, IVECO Vice-President, in charge of IVECO BUS.