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Credobus Electronell: Lightweight electric bus with a small battery pack from Hungary

Thanks to 25% less battery capacity compared to similar E-models from other manufacturers, costs for operators are expected to be reduced.

Few batteries, fewer costs: This is the credo of Credobus from Hungary. (Photo: Credobus)
Few batteries, fewer costs: This is the credo of Credobus from Hungary. (Photo: Credobus)
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Credobus from the Kravtex-Kühne Group aims to launch one of the lightest and most efficient electric buses in Europe, the Electronell, by 2024 – initially the Solo Electronell 12 in the first half of the year, followed by the Electronell 18 in the second half. The Hungarian manufacturer promises an unladen weight that is 1.5 (Solo) to 3 tons (articulated bus) lower than most of its competitors. With a total battery capacity of 294 kWh, the Solo can achieve a range of up to 300 km, which corresponds to a minimum range of around 200 km on cold winter days. Credobus has invested around 3 million euros in the development of the Electronell, reported Imre Szombath, CEO of Kühne Zrt. and chief designer of the bus family. The project was supported by the NRDI Fund (National Research, Development and Innovation Fund) of the Hungarian state.

The third generation liquid-cooled NMC batteries from BorgWarner Akasol serve as energy storage. Thanks to the ultra-lightweight design, only three instead of four of the 560 kg batteries with a capacity of 98 kWh each are needed. Two of them are mounted in the rear part of the vehicle in the underbody, which is supposed to ensure a low center of gravity and the highest possible stability. The batteries can be fully charged in about two hours with a power of 150 kW.

Voith Drive System

The solo and articulated versions are driven by the enhanced VEDS HD (Heavy Duty) system, consisting of an electric motor, drive inverter, and control electronics. It delivers 310 kW continuous and 410 kW peak power as well as 3,100 Nm torque and has a maximum efficiency of 97.3%. The drive control software and telematics solution come from Credobus itself.

High-Quality Components

Additionally, other high-quality components are installed. These include the CO2 heat pump AC138 EVO from Eberspächer, the electrohydraulic power steering pump from Dana, and the electrically driven air compressor from Knorr-Bremse.

The frame structures and metal components of the buses continue to be manufactured in Mosonmagyaróvár, while assembly is carried out at the group's bus factory in Győr. In addition to the self-supporting chassis, the suspension, windshields and side windows, plastic trim elements, flooring, and hundreds of other components are Hungarian products.

Next-Generation Driver Assistance

The Electronell models are equipped with modern driver assistance systems to meet the requirements of the new GSR2 (General Safety Regulation 2), which will be introduced in the European Union starting in July 2024. These include emergency brake assist with pedestrian and cyclist protection and emergency brake warning, intelligent cruise control with sign recognition and vehicle tracking, blind-spot monitoring, reversing radar, tire pressure monitoring, breathalyzer, and cyber protection. In collaboration with ZF-Wabco, Credobus is also adapting the 360-degree radar and camera system.

What does that mean?

Credobus follows the same path as Ebusco and VDL. Integrate batteries into the chassis, make the build very light. This way, expensive battery technology can be saved. The only difference is that the two Dutch bus manufacturers now manage to integrate more than 500 kWh of battery capacity into their models, thus guaranteeing minimum ranges of more than 300 km. However, those who do not need that much range or prefer occasional daytime charging might find the Hungarian bus model with high-quality components, including the latest BorgWarnerAkasol battery generation and the new CO2-heat pump AC138 EVO from Eberspächer very well suited to their needs.

Translated automatically from German.
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