Wrightbus StreetLite EV plug-in is part of a broader range of electric drive options
SWITZERLAND Wrightbus has arrived in Switzerland for the start of a European demonstration tour which will be showcasing the many benefits of its plug-in electric StreetLite EV to operators and other stakeholders.
The 9.5m StreetLite EV is fitted with an all-electric driveline from the Wrightbus ‘Electrocity’ range, which is now available to order. So far the bus has covered more than 600 miles across the country including a visit to the Swiss capital, Berne, as well as Zurich, Fribourg, St Gallen, Basserdorf, Clarens and Manior. Leading bus operators and the press were all given a special viewing of the vehicle as well as the opportunity to take a test drive.
The Electrocity bus range deploys a series of modular concepts that have been designed by Wrightbus’ alternative driveline business unit. Three different vehicle charging and associated battery configurations are available on the same platform, thereby facilitating fleet standardisation and optimising aftermarket support.
The StreetLite EV demonstrator currently in Switzerland is a ‘plug in’, with overnight charging of the Nickel Manganese Cobalt batteries giving a daily range of 150 miles or 18 hours of service. In its ‘wheel forward’ format fitted with 37 seats, the StreetLite EV features the Siemens ELFA 2 electric drive system.
Inductive Power Transfer or Conductive Charging options are also available. With Inductive Power Transfer (IPT), Lithium ion batteries are utilised to give a range of 135 miles or 17 hours of service. Power is supplied wirelessly from in ground charging coils, with a charging time of less than 12 minutes. Eight Wrightbus StreetLite EV buses have been utilising this charging technology in Milton Keynes since spring 2014.
Conductive charging – again using utilising Lithium ion batteries – sees power being supplied through on street pantograph systems, fully charging vehicles in less than seven minutes. Dependent upon the positioning of charging stations along a particular route, this can deliver further extended service range, says Wrightbus.
Dr William Wright CBE, who heads up Wrightbus’ alternative driveline business unit said: “We have been pioneering the development of low emissions solutions for two decades now and it is extremely satisfying to see our StreetLite EV undertaking this demonstration programme in Switzerland. As well as showcasing its many features and benefits to members of the bus industry and the press, we have also been raising awareness of this zero emissions product to the general public, who have all been very enthusiastic in their reaction to this bus and the environmental technologies it offers.
“The company has a strong heritage in the design and development of cutting-edge low carbon technology. Some of the more recent examples include the New Routemaster hybrid-electric vehicles and the all-electric StreetLites in operation with Arriva in Milton Keynes. With more than 750 New Routemasters deployed on the streets of London, and the StreetLite IPT vehicles having completed 700,000 miles to date, Wrightbus has a deep knowledge and practical experience of the opportunities and operational challenges around the deployment of both hybrid and fully electric vehicles.”
