Case
Two years ago, Pieter Thijs, CEO of Staf Cars, was at the forefront of electrifying his bus fleet with the goal of emission-free mobility. By investing in a well-designed charging infrastructure for electric buses, this vision is coming to life. In collaboration with TSG, a customized, comprehensive solution was chosen to enable a successful charging strategy.
"We believe in sustainable transport, but it must be technically and operationally feasible."
Staf Cars has been a fixture in passenger transport for decades, from short commutes to international trips. The partnership with De Lijn brought a new twist: the transition to 100% electric. “We believe in sustainable transport, but it has to be technically and operationally feasible,” explains Pieter Thijs. “Electric driving is perfectly achievable for public transport, but for other modes of transport, there are still some obstacles.”
"Electrification depends on your location and financial possibilities."
The transition to electric transport is a strategic exercise in which charging infrastructure, location, and cost are the keys to success. Without a clear and future-focused plan, electrification quickly becomes unfeasible.
For many companies, the investment still poses a significant hurdle. “Thanks to the ten-year agreement with De Lijn, the business case is financially viable. Without this guarantee, this investment is difficult to justify,” he explains. “This long-term partnership not only offers certainty, but also builds on years of preparation, testing and analysis by De Lijn. This makes the leap to 100% electric public transport much easier for us.”
Moreover, scale pays off: the larger the fleet, the more attractive the charging infrastructure. “We have now laid a solid foundation,” says Pieter. “That makes future expansions easier and more cost-effective.”
The location of the charging infrastructure also plays a crucial role. Our electric buses must always be able to charge at a central location. Every empty kilometer costs time and money, so the depot must be strategically located. We want to remain competitive with competitors, so we consider everything within a realistic radius around our site. It remains a difficult exercise, in my opinion.
Staf Cars’ spacious and well-located location is a clear advantage. “Not everyone has that advantage,” Pieter notes. “Many of our fellow companies are located in city centers: ideal for accessibility, but less obvious for charging infrastructure. And then there are the insurance company requirements and technical limitations. Not every company has the space or the facilities to embrace this. For many, electrification remains a complex undertaking.”
"I was completely taken care of thanks to TSG"
The electrification of the bus fleet faced many complex challenges. To solve these, you need a partner who actively considers the concept and can translate it into reality. “For us, that was without a doubt TSG. They managed the entire project from start to finish. Ultimately, they realized an impressive and complete Kempower DC charging system consisting of: 13 DC satellites, 2 Kempower Power Units, a new high-voltage head cabin and a secondary subcab, smart energy management via the MINT system, robust firewalls and collision protection.”
“Thanks to our helpdesk staff, we offer our customers remote support. We also have an extensive network of service technicians. We can respond quickly and efficiently to any malfunctions or problems. Depending on the contract, our customers can count on 24/7 service, supported by our professional and skilled technicians and engineers who are continuously trained and certified,” adds Kris Dierckx, EV Manager at TSG.
Pieter Thijs met with several parties, but with TSG, he had a good feeling from the very first meeting. “They understood our situation, thought ahead, and made the project tangible. Even in the quotation phase, we received sketches, clear price overviews, and a concrete vision of the final solution.” For Pieter, the enlightening feeling TSG offered and flexibility made a big difference. “Thanks to TSG, I had complete peace of mind throughout the entire process. From day one, they collaborated with us on the concept, taking into account the insurance conditions, cost efficiency and practical feasibility. With every adjustment, they worked constructively to find the best solution, which makes TSG a flexible partner,” he adds. The entire project was coordinated by TSG and they were Pieter’s point of contact. This eliminated fragmented communication with subcontractors, creating a single partner that maintained oversight and coordinated every link in the chain. This way, the subcontractors delivered a project that perfectly aligned with TSG’s plan.
The collaboration was intensive, but above all constructive and built on trust. The result? A future-proof charging solution, implemented smoothly, within budget, and ready for practical use. “With every new question, I can contact Joeri, Thomas, or Kris, and we always find a solution quickly.”
"Our planning is leading in our charging strategy"
Strategic charging of the electric bus fleet is part of successful electrification. “Our planning is key,” Pieter emphasizes. “The buses must always be ready, so we charge at night or during rest periods during the day, taking into account fluctuating energy rates and the energy we generate ourselves via our solar panels.”
Leading charging infrastructure manufacturer Kempower is the brains behind these smart charging sessions. Their integrated software connects charging times with the schedule, ensuring each vehicle is charged on time and in a targeted manner. Energy is distributed based on priority and remaining capacity. The software ensures that the vehicles are charged at the right time and charging costs are kept to a minimum.
To use this green energy even more efficiently, battery storage is already on the radar. “The permit application has been submitted,” he adds. “It’s the logical next step in our energy transition.”
"Work with a party that offers solutions, such as TSG"
Pieter’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs is clear: “Work with a partner that not only provides technology but also solutions, like TSG.” With the combined expertise of TSG Charge and TSG Power, TSG offers an integrated approach, seamlessly integrating charging solutions, PV panels, wind turbines and industrial batteries.
TSG provides both turnkey projects and customized solutions. From grid connection and permits to inspections – TSG’s experts handle the entire process.
