Van Hool Electric Coach: 2,700 km Up and Down the US West Coast

2,700 km along the west coast of the USA from Newark (California) to Seattle (Washington State) in just two days – and recharging at publicly accessible charging stations: these were the challenges for a test run by Van-Hool distribution partner ABC Companies with a fully electric CX45E. The outcome showed an average speed of 87 km/h (pure driving time) through partially demanding terrain reaching elevations of over 1,700 meters, with an average temperature of around 13°C. Various groups of MTR Western passengers were on board in stages. 

Short Charging Times

The average distance covered between individual charging sessions was 450 km – including some stretches of well over 480 km. The electric coach impressively demonstrated its suitability for long distances. The charging times were shorter than expected, averaging 2.5 to 3 hours. This was due to the large 676-kWh battery pack from Proterra, which ensured that the vehicle never used more than 65% of its available capacity on any segment. However, the test also made clear that the current charging infrastructure in the USA is far from sufficient to permanently operate coach services with fully electric vehicles.

We use real-time telematics that measure energy consumption, charging times, vehicle performance, and much more, allowing us to work with our customers to continuously improve energy consumption and thereby range. Our success with Proterra’s electric drivetrain pushes the current boundaries for emissions-free travel with coaches and renders claims or records somewhat irrelevant. These buses perform as advertised, period. (Roman Cornell, President and CCO of ABC Companies)

Comparison Ride

The ABC telematics continuously recorded real-time data to measure the performance of the driver and the equipment during operation. Key performance indicators including kWh consumption, charging rates, recuperation, and much more were analyzed in relation to initial forecasts and compared with thousands of kilometers of data from other CX45Es already in operation. 

This new demonstration trip with MTR Western met and exceeded the expectations of the test crew by providing further quantifiable data for customer-specific applications, enabling operators to optimize operations. Due to the bus's low center of gravity with batteries installed in the underbody, the vehicle impressed by achieving very low operating costs on its test trip. Even on steep climbs, the CX45E managed effortlessly in flowing traffic and used recuperation on long downhill stretches to increase efficiency and range while saving brakes.

Test Drive Data

The total energy consumption was around 3,400 kWh, including charging losses, or about 1.25 kWh/km. Simultaneously, approximately 990 liters of diesel were saved, corresponding to a consumption of about 37 l/100 km. Additionally, 2.3 tons of CO₂ emissions were avoided during the demonstration trip.

Our groups were excited to experience E-rides first-hand, and their feedback gives us valuable clues for integrating E-vehicles into our fleet. (Todd Paulson, Director of Operations at MTR Western)

Driving Impressions

Both passengers and drivers were impressed by the extremely quiet driving experience. Drivers also praised the smooth handling and performance of the bus, especially on hills, and reported relatively easy operation at the charging points. The CX45E used a standardized J1772-CCS Type 1 onboard charger, allowing maximum flexibility during charging stops over the two-day period. Another insight from the demonstration trip was that the size and design of charging stations are generally not suitable for a commercial vehicle of this size, highlighting the need for future providers of charging infrastructures to set up larger parking spaces with large turning radii or drive-through options. These factors should be taken into account in planning future charging facilities, as ABC Companies are already using such vehicles. 

Given the many opportunities that present themselves – from small transports to mobility as a service, contract operations, employee shuttle services, large group tours, charter missions, and much more – ABC's strategy now focuses on helping customers of all fleet sizes leverage the competitive advantages of zero-emission vehicles. From operational cost savings to new revenue opportunities, ABC offers solutions for customers. It is an exciting time, and ABC Companies is proud to lead this revolution in our industry. (Roman Cornell)

The Van Hool CX45E is offered by ABC's SVT (Specialty Vehicles & Technologies) division. Training, education, and infrastructure consulting for customers are key components of the company's "Plug into Savings" program, introduced in 2020.

With training, real-time monitoring, charger interoperability, energy usage strategies, and much more, the program takes the complexity off customers so they can focus on the immediate benefits of zero-emission vehicles in their fleets. (Thom Peebles, Vice President of ABC Companies)

About the CX45E

The CX45E features a Siemens Elfa II motor with 310 kW continuous and 360 kW peak power, delivering up to 4,242 Nm of torque. The manufacturer states a top speed of 114 km/h. The motor is powered by a 676-kWh battery pack from Proterra (Type E2) with Lithium-Titanate cell technology (LTO). The maximum DC charging power of the CX45E is 125 kW, and the charging time is about five hours (from 5 to 95% SoC). The plug type is CCS Type 1, designed for the North American market.

The CX45E, first showcased at Busworld Europe in October 2019, features dimensions of 13,895 mm in length, 3,505 mm in height, 2,590 mm in width, and a wheelbase of 7,735 mm, accommodating 56 seats.