Ares Design Showcases Tesla Model S Convertible

More

Porsche expands Taycan model range with new entry level variant

More

Mercedes Benz EQA unveiled, priced from €47,540 in Germany

More

Rivian secures $2.65 billion as it prepares to bring its EVs to market

More

Truemag

  • Electric Car News
  • Electric Car Reviews
  • Plug-in Hybrids
  • Technology
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Charging Map

Equipmake-developed electric bus powertrain begins final testing phase

Improving air quality in congested cities is a central concern to citizens and policymakers across the world. While electric buses are often seen as a key solution, they have been prohibitively expensive – until now.

Equipmake has now entered the final testing phase of its cost-effective, highly-efficient electric bus drivetrain with UK-based performance and durability development set to finish at the end of the year. In-service trials of the vehicle will then begin in Q1 2020 by Brazilian commercial vehicle manufacturer, Agrale, who will launch the electric bus first in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2021.

The UK-based test and development programme has ensured that the class-leading APM200 motors, latest generation lithium-ion battery pack and advanced power control system have been working as intended.

The EBus drivetrain features two APM200 motors at its heart, the company’s innovative spoke-architecture electric motor, which is believed to be the highest power/torque dense automotive electric motor in the world. These motors, which will also power the upcoming Ariel HIPERCAR, are mated to proven Semikron SKAI inverters, while battery technology is provided by the latest generation lithium-ion cells.

The drivetrain also features a number of novel innovations, that not only improve vehicle range but reduce capital cost. By optimising the heating and cooling of the vehicle and maximising overall energy efficiency, the bus will have enough range for one day’s running without the need for charging. In this way, the vehicle is not reliant on infrastructure and can maintain flexibility of route.

To charge the vehicle, the operator simply needs access to a standard three-phase supply, which will fully charge the vehicle in around five hours. However, the powertrain also supports fast charging – and has an onboard charger. Equipmake’s EBus system is also modular, meaning it can be adapted to different bus lengths and vehicles, including a double decker. The Agrale bus in testing is based on the MT17, a 12m single deck model capable of carrying 70 passengers.

Ian Foley, Managing Director of Equipmake, said: “We are very excited to be reaching the final phase of EBus powertrain testing ahead of in-service trials in Buenos Aires early next year. The drivetrain has performed exactly as expected so far but as we complete our UK-based durability testing, our team of expert engineers will be making sure it continues to hit every target in order to fulfil its demanding application in Argentina.

“There is a significant global demand for clean, affordable electric buses. In Buenos Aires alone there are 16,000 buses in operation, which are replaced at a rate of 1,000 models every year, while the global market for electric buses is around 300,000 vehicles per annum – and that is only growing.

“Manufacture of Equipmake’s EBus powertrains is set to scale dramatically over the next few years, so much so that we will be moving to a new bespoke facility in Snetterton in the coming months. We expect to build 700 EBus drivetrains for Agrale in the first year of production but we are already seeing major demand from markets all over the world, making our new factory crucial to fulfilling demand.

“Electric buses are one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution caused by public transportation. Up until now cost has held back widespread adoption, but with Equipmake’s electric chassis that is no longer a barrier.”

Sep 16, 2019Blagojce Krivevski
LEVC Electric Van makes European debut in Frankfurt"Vision Mercedes Simplex" – an icon for the heritage and future of the brand
You Might Also Like
 
GKN eAxle Powers London’s New Electric Taxi
 
BYD launches Costa Rica electric bus pilot
Blagojce Krivevski

Blagojce Krivevski is physicist and green technology lover. Keep in touch with Blagojce through his email, web site, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and Google+.

September 16, 2019 Electric Car NewsAgrale, Agrale electric bus, Agrale electric buses, electric bus, Electric Buses, Equipmake, Equipmake electric bus, Equipmake electric buses, UK
Follow Us
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • google-news
  • youtube
  • instagram
  • feedburner
Recent News
Ares Design Showcases Tesla Model S Convertible
January 20, 2021
Opel reveals all-new Combo-e electric van
January 20, 2021
Porsche expands Taycan model range with new entry level variant
January 20, 2021
Mercedes Benz EQA unveiled, priced from €47,540 in Germany
January 20, 2021
Fleets could save more than £17 million a year in Congestion Charge fees by going electric
January 20, 2021
About
ElectricCarsReport.com ElectricCarsReport.com is a website dedicated to pure electric vehicles and the full range of consumer information and tools about electric cars, green technology energy, and the environment.
Latest News
Ares Design Showcases Tesla Model S Convertible
January 20, 2021
Opel reveals all-new Combo-e electric van
January 20, 2021
Porsche expands Taycan model range with new entry level variant
January 20, 2021
Subscribe

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and event postings.

Get in touch

Email: [email protected]

Archives
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • google-news
  • youtube
  • instagram
  • feedburner
DMCA.com
2021 © ElectricCarsReport.com | All Rights Reserved.