The new vehicles are the first fully electrically operated articulated battery buses in Germany having been developed for line-service operation. The order for the four new articulated buses is the result a research project still ongoing, within the scope of which the inductive charging unit for a 12 m long solobus has been developed.
Vossloh Kiepe delivers the innovative electrical equipment for these completely emission-free vehicles. Thus, Vossloh Kiepe e.g. supplies the modular power electronics, the 240 kW traction motor and the energy management system. Besides the provided inductive charging system an additional charging unit for plug-based charging with 32 kW will be installed.
Vossloh Kiepe has developed its concept for battery buses on the basis of already proven technology. The modular system considers the integration of various sources of energy. Besides recharging via a pantograph or an inductive solution charging can be made by way of fuel cell technology.
The operation with the 12 m long bus will begin at the end of 2013 and next year it will be supplemented gradually by the 18 m long buses ordered now. Special attention is paid to their suitability for daily use and the cost-effectiveness of cable-free and wireless power transmission during line-service operation.