Safra
Safra is a French industrial group that designs, manufactures, and renovates zero-emission public transport vehicles (hydrogen buses, electric minibuses), offers hydrogen retrofit kits, and provides charging infrastructure and fleet management software to public transport authorities and operators across Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1955
- HeadquartersAlbi, France
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Safra does
SAFRA is a French industrial group founded in 1955 in Albi, originally as the ESPEROU-BODOIRA bodywork company, that has evolved into a vertically integrated zero-emission mobility and public transport renovation specialist. The company operates through three subsidiaries: SAFRA Services handles mid-life refurbishment and heavy maintenance of buses, trams, metros, trains, and funiculars; SAFRA New Mobility manufactures zero-emission vehicles including the HYCITY hydrogen fuel cell bus (12m and 18m, up to 500km range), INYCIA and EVANYA electric minibuses, and the H2-PACK hydrogen retrofit kit for diesel coaches; and SAFRA New Energy provides DC charging infrastructure (60-960 kW) and modular energy storage systems. The firm's proprietary VHYSION platform offers connected fleet management (Fleet, Report, Diag) with ITxPT interoperability. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales (vehicles, retrofit kits, charging equipment), professional services (renovation and maintenance), and subscription software (VHYSION), with multi-year custom quotes rather than list pricing. The customer base is dominated by French public transport authorities and operators including RATP, SNCF, Keolis, M-TAG, Dunkerque, Lille, and Pau. Following the 2025 acquisition by China's Wanrun Group, SAFRA combines European public transport heritage with Wanrun's global supply chain in lithium-ion batteries, energy storage, and circular economy assets.
Safra firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Safra
- Legal name
- SAFRA Investments, S.A.S.
- Website
- https://safra.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1955
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Safra is a French industrial group that designs, manufactures, and renovates zero-emission public transport vehicles (hydrogen buses, electric minibuses), offers hydrogen retrofit kits, and provides charging infrastructure and fleet management software to public transport authorities and operators across Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Safra industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Zero-Emission Public Transport Vehicles and Mobility Equipment
- NAICS
- Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing (5321)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Services-Auto Rental & Leasing (No Drivers) (7510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- EV Fleet Management & Charging Solutions (THADAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fleet Management Services (Lifecycle, Compliance, Safety, Driver Programs) (TLABAHAJ), Truck & Commercial Vehicle Electrification Manufacturing (eAxles/Battery Packs/Fuel Cells) (IMACABAK), Fleet Fuel, Toll & Expense Management Programs (TLABAHAL)
Keywords
Where Safra is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Albi
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Safra business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Vehicle Sales: Sale of zero-emission vehicles including hydrogen buses (HYCITY), electric minibuses (INYCIA, EVANYA), and hydrogen retrofit kits (H2-PACK) to public transport operators and local authorities.
- Renovation and Maintenance Services: Mid-life refurbishment and heavy maintenance of public transport equipment including buses, metros, trams, funiculars, and trains, extending vehicle lifespan and improving performance.
- Fleet Management Software (VHYSION): Subscription-based fleet management platform offering real-time monitoring, reporting, and diagnostic services for vehicle fleets.
- Charging Infrastructure: Sale and deployment of DC charging stations and energy storage systems for commercial and industrial sites, logistics centers, and public transport fleets.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quotation for vehicles and services based on customer requirements |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Safra product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Safra is a French industrial group that designs and manufactures zero-emission passenger transport vehicles (HYCITY hydrogen buses, INYCIA and EVANYA electric minibuses), hydrogen retrofit kits (H2-PACK), and DC charging and energy storage systems under its New Mobility and New Energy divisions. Through its Services division, it provides mid-life renovation, refurbishment, and heavy maintenance of public transport equipment including buses, trams, metros, trains, and funiculars. The VHYSION connected platform provides subscription-based fleet management, real-time vehicle monitoring, and predictive diagnostics for deployed fleets.
Product overview
SAFRA is a French industrial group focused on accelerating the energy transition in mobility. The company operates through three main divisions: SAFRA Services (renovation and heavy maintenance of public transport equipment), SAFRA New Mobility (zero-emission vehicles including hydrogen buses and retrofit kits), and SAFRA New Energy (charging infrastructure and energy storage). Key products include HYCITY hydrogen buses, INYCIA and EVANYA electric minibuses/minicars, H2-PACK retrofit kits, VHYSION fleet management platform, and comprehensive renovation services for buses, trains, metros, trams, and funiculars. The portfolio spans from 6-meter electric vehicles to 18-meter hydrogen buses, with supporting energy infrastructure.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HYCITY Hydrogen Bus French-manufactured hydrogen fuel cell city bus available in 12m and 18m configurations for urban and intercity public transport operators and authorities. Offers zero CO2 emissions, up to 500 km range, and 5-10 minute refueling time.
- INYCIA Electric Minibus 6-meter 100% electric minibus designed for city centers, narrow streets, and low-emission zones. Features 220 kW motor, 128 kWh LFP battery, range up to 290 km, capacity for 28 passengers plus driver.
- EVANYA Electric Minicar 100% electric minicar available in 6-meter and 7.5-meter versions for school transport, short regional routes, and private transport services. Features 150 kW peak motor, 132 kWh CATL batteries, range up to 300 km.
- H2-PACK Hydrogen Retrofit Kit Hydrogen retrofit kit that converts diesel coaches into zero-emission hydrogen vehicles. Supported by ADEME under the France 2030 investment plan; approved for Mercedes Intouro intercity coaches with range up to 500 km.
- VHYSION Fleet Management Platform Connected subscription-based fleet management portal comprising VHYSION Fleet (real-time vehicle monitoring and GPS tracking), VHYSION Report (data visualization and export), and VHYSION Diag (fault diagnostics and predictive maintenance assistance) for bus, tram, and public transport fleets.
- DC Charging Systems DC charging stations ranging from 60 kW to 960 kW power ratings, including integrated chargers (60-480 kW), air-cooled split-type chargers (360-960 kW), and liquid-cooled chargers (360-800 kW) for buses, trucks, vans, logistics vehicles, and passenger cars.
- Energy Storage Systems Modular storage cabinets (232 kWh and 261 kWh) and mobile containers (698.88 kWh) with liquid cooling technology for peak shaving, grid support, renewable energy integration, and operating cost optimization at fleet depots and commercial sites.
- Renovation and Maintenance Services Mid-life refurbishment and heavy maintenance of public transport equipment including buses, metros, trams, funiculars, cable cars, and trains. Services include interior and exterior renovation, bodywork, mechanical and electrical overhauls, and compliance upgrades for public transport operators and authorities.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% zero-emission products manufactured
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Safra
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Safra technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
Safra partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ADEME (Agence de la Transition Écologique)coreH2-PACK retrofit kit is supported by ADEME as part of the France 2030 investment plan. This government agency provides funding and validation for hydrogen mobility projects, supporting development and deployment of SAFRA's retrofit technology.
- Vibratec SASminorSAFRA partnered with Vibratec SAS for structural testing and analysis on the Grenoble Citadis 402 tramway project. Vibratec provides instrumentation and testing services for vehicle validation.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Safra competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wrightbus: UK-based manufacturer of hydrogen and battery-electric buses, including the StreetDeck Hydroliner and New Routemaster. Direct competitor in zero-emission urban bus manufacturing, with comparable public-sector customer base across the UK and Ireland.
- Solaris Bus & Coach: Polish manufacturer of battery-electric and hydrogen buses (Urbino series) supplying European operators. Direct competitor to HYCITY/INYCIA across EU tenders with broader product range and higher production volumes.
- Van Hool: Belgian bus and coach OEM with hydrogen (A series) and battery-electric product lines serving European transit authorities. Comparable in manufacturing heritage and European public-transport focus.
- Heuliez Bus: French manufacturer of electric and hybrid buses (GX 337 E, GX ELEC) owned by Iveco Group. Closest direct competitor in the French market for zero-emission urban buses, sharing many of the same municipal customers.
Regional players
- Alstom: French rail and public transport equipment manufacturer with hydrogen (Coradia Polyvalent H2) and tramway offerings. Comparable in French public-transport renovation (SAFRA renovated Citadis trams) and hydrogen product ambition; a major indirect competitor for hydrogen rail/bus procurement.
- Caetano Bus: Portuguese bus manufacturer with hydrogen (H2.City Gold) and battery-electric product lines. Comparable in hydrogen city bus technology serving Southern European markets; primary geographic overlap is Iberian and EU tender markets rather than France directly.
Broad incumbents
- BYD: Chinese global leader in electric buses and battery manufacturing with a large European footprint via BYD Europe. Comparable in zero-emission bus technology but vastly larger scale, lower cost base, and broader product portfolio.
- New Flyer (NFI Group): Canadian parent NFI Group is North America's largest bus manufacturer with battery-electric (Xcelsior CHARGE) and hydrogen fuel cell offerings. Comparable in zero-emission transit technology with deeper capital markets access and aftermarket service network.
- Iveco Bus: Italian commercial vehicle manufacturer producing electric and hydrogen buses (E-Way, H₂ Citywide). Comparable in serving European public transport operators and provides the Mercedes Intouro chassis underpinning H2-PACK retrofit certification.
Emerging players
- Rampini Carlo: Italian niche manufacturer of electric minibuses (EPIÒ series) for city centers and low-emission zones. Comparable in electric minibus product format (similar to INYCIA/EVANYA) and target segment of small European municipalities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Safra social profiles
Digital presenceSafra compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Safra financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Safra leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Safra subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Safra funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Safra M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Safra
What does Safra do?
Safra is a French industrial group that designs and manufactures zero-emission passenger transport vehicles (HYCITY hydrogen buses, INYCIA and EVANYA electric minibuses), hydrogen retrofit kits (H2-PACK), and DC charging and energy storage systems under its New Mobility and New Energy divisions. Through its Services division, it provides mid-life renovation, refurbishment, and heavy maintenance of public transport equipment including buses, trams, metros, trains, and funiculars. The VHYSION connected platform provides subscription-based fleet management, real-time vehicle monitoring, and predictive diagnostics for deployed fleets.
Is Safra a public or private company?
Safra is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Safra founded?
Safra was founded in 1955. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Safra based?
Safra is headquartered in Albi, France, in the Europe region.
How does Safra make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Vehicle Sales are the primary driver. The others are renovation and Maintenance Services, fleet Management Software (VHYSION) and charging Infrastructure.
Who are Safra's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wrightbus, Solaris Bus & Coach, Van Hool and Heuliez Bus. Regional players are Alstom and Caetano Bus. Broad incumbents are BYD, New Flyer (NFI Group) and Iveco Bus. Rampini Carlo is listed as an emerging player.
Does Safra have an API?
Yes. VHYSION platform offers an API option that enables ITxPT (Information Technology for Public Transport) data to be integrated directly into customer information systems. The platform supports off-line diagnostics and maintenance assistance functions through workshop equipment (tablet and special connectors).
What industry is Safra in?
Safra's product category is Zero-Emission Public Transport Vehicles and Mobility Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THADAKAJ, EV Fleet Management & Charging Solutions, with a secondary code of TLABAHAJ, Fleet Management Services (Lifecycle, Compliance, Safety, Driver Programs). Its NAICS code is 5321 and its SIC code is 5013.