This is HICI, a brand of chargers for electric buses that is already developing communication modules for well-known brands in the sector such as BYD and Yutong.
In an exclusive interview with Mobility Portal España, Antonio Bautista González, Manager of GBister Ibérica, reveals how with these devices they have managed to overcome the challenges of compatibility with various vehicles.
“The reason we started looking for and selected the company was because with the bus brand we represent we had many connectivity problems with the devices on the Spanish electrical grid,” he explains.
This compatibility challenge is no small issue.
The lack of standards in available chargers used to create difficulties in daily management and, in many cases, delays in operations.
In this context, GBister Ibérica decided to address this challenge by seeking a comprehensive solution that would guarantee interoperability between different bus companies and charging equipment.
“We looked at several brands and found that HICI was the most promising, and we decided to do a test,” says González.
This turned out to be a resounding success from the very beginning, without the need for any modifications to the software.
This led the company to acquire three additional units to conduct further trials and demonstrate their effectiveness to potential customers.
In this way, GBister not only offers a wide range of electric vehicles, but also accompanies this sale with charging solutions, facilitating installation and operation in various locations.
What qualities do HICI models have?
Despite having alternating current (AC) options, with powers ranging from 3.5 kilowatts (kW) to 43 kW, it is in direct current (DC) where HICI chargers really stand out.
These devices can reach a supply capacity of up to 360 kW, with the possibility of incorporating two hoses for simultaneous charging of two vehicles.
And that’s not all.
One of the most innovative aspects of the equipment is its ability to manage power distribution intelligently.
How? With modules that allow up to six dispensers to be connected to one.
This allows capacity to be efficiently distributed between cars.
“For example, if a bus arrives with a low charge, it can be allocated a larger share of the available energy, while cars with a higher charge receive less,” he explains.
This approach not only optimizes “refueling,” but also ensures that all units receive the amount of charge required for their daily operation.
Especially in scenarios where eBuses have long periods of stoppage, such as overnight.
Focusing on HICI’s global trajectory, expectations in the Spanish market are high.
“Our goal is to occupy the number one position,” says González.
How do you stand out in the sale of electric buses?
In addition to being an Administrator at GBister Ibérica, Antonio Bautista González serves as CEO of the SOMAUTO group of companies.
The company is a leader in the sale and distribution of buses and spare parts.
In this context, the company’s representative reveals that they are developing a complete line of electric and hydrogen vehicles.
As representatives of the Otokar brand, the e-CENTRO stands out within its offer.
It is a 6.6-metre zero-emission car with a range of up to 200 kilometres.
“We are also promoting autonomous vehicles and plan to carry out tests in the Spanish market next year,” he says.
In the urban range, it is working on 6, 10 and 12-metre models, and on a project with the European Union called Cocheify, which focuses on the development of a long-distance class 3 hydrogen car.
“It will be available by 2025,” says González.
As for short-haul vehicles, it is developing the Otokar Territo, a 12- to 13-metre high-floor vehicle with a guaranteed range of approximately 350 km over the first eight years of operation.
These commitments reflect GBister Ibérica and SOMAUTO’s commitment to leading the transition towards efficient electric mobility.
