Ebusco (Euronext: EBUS), a pioneer and frontrunner in the development of electric buses and charging systems, reveals the very first Ebusco 3.0 18-meter to the outside world. Minister for the Environment Vivianne Heijnen, amongst other topics responsible for public transport in the Netherlands, will be present during the event to get a preview of this Dutch innovation.
The Ebusco 3.0 18-meter bus is the epitome of efficiency, leading to an extremely low Total Cost of Ownership for operators. Thanks to the use of lightweight composites, the Ebusco 3.0 18-meter with a starting weight of just 14,500 kg, is ground-breaking in terms of weight. Combining the lightweight body with efficient battery packs of 350+ and 500+ kWh, the Ebusco 3.0 18-meter has a range of up to 700 kilometers on a single charge and has a maximum capacity of 150 passengers.
Thanks to the floor-integrated batteries, the 3.0 18-meter bus has a very low centre of gravity, which has a positive effect on driver handling and passenger comfort. Ebusco again opts for cobalt-free LFP batteries because of safety, ethical and durability considerations. Because of the lightweight structure, all axles can be equipped with a single tyre. This makes it possible to create an extra-wide aisle from front to rear with a width of 90 centimeters, which increases the flow throughout the bus and makes the bus extra accessible also for people with physical disabilities, and for prams.
The composite side walls are injected with a foam that provides high thermal insulation. This high insulation value further reduces the energy consumption of the cooling and heating system and therefore has a positive effect on the range of the bus. The composition of composite and foam also ensures higher passenger comfort and extra safety due to the strength properties of composite.
Today marks the reveal of the first produced Ebusco 3.0 18-meter. Ebusco has already received several orders for this bus over the past year, including orders for Oslo, Orebro Lan, Rouen and Vaxjo. In 2023, Ebusco will further scale up production with a dedicated line for articulated bus models to meet demand.
Peter Bijvelds, CEO of Ebusco comments: “I am immensely proud that we are presenting this ground-breaking 18-meter bus today. With about a third of our workforce working in R&D and engineering, we continuously manage to develop at high speed. This has now resulted in the lightest and most efficient articulated bus in the world.”