SUSTAINABLE BUS 2022-09

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
We’re talking of two buses
sharing the same drive
system – relying on ZF’s
AxTrax, the electrified axle
built in Friedrichshafen
that has almost earned a
monopoly of the segment
over the years. Siemens is
at their heels and announced
the launch of an
electric axle jointly with
the renewal of their ELFA
range. Cummins is getting
ready to boost their share
thanks to a resonant
acquisition campaign
(Meritor, that is).
Also battery formula is the
same: NMC. The difference
lies in the maximum
capacity: 389 kWh for
Switch, 490 for Van Hool.
Switch is to be praised for
the vehicle’s innovations:
wheelchair accessibility
from front entry, low
weight, a painstaking design.
Both bus makers opt
for plug-in depot charging.
SWITCH MOBILITY E1 - VAN HOOL A12
WE’LL HAVE OUR SAY
The 12-metre brand new e-bus models by Switch Mobility
and Van Hool interpret energy transition of public transport
with a focus on native electric products. Mass reduction and
innovative design are a must for both. For Switch, heir to
Optare, this is the first model for mainland European markets
Switch Mobility first e-bus
model is conceived and developed
with mainland Europe’s
markets in mind. Van Hool
new range is developed from scratch and
embraces the ‘electric only’ paradigm. The
Anglo-Indian group taking on the legacy
of the Optare brand and the family-owned
Belgian bus maker stole the spotlight
last June at the European Mobility Expo
in Paris with their product launches. Together
with Iveco Urbanway mild hybrid,
these vehicles form the milestones of a
2022 that finally sees the industry back in
shape to offer something new, after two
understandably pretty dormant pandemic
years that brought very little novelties in
terms of products.
We’re talking of two buses sharing the same
drive system – relying on ZF’s AxTrax, the
electrified axle built in Friedrichshafen
that has almost earned a monopoly of the
segment over the years. Siemens is at their
heels and announced the launch of an electric
axle jointly with the renewal of their
ELFA range. Cummins is getting ready to
boost their share thanks to a resonant acquisition
campaign (Meritor, that is).
Focus on depot charging
Back to the two buses being compared:
also battery formula is the same, lithium
ion plus nickel, manganese and cobalt.
Spelt out in three letters: NMC. The difference
lies in the maximum capacity:
389 kWh for Switch, 490 for Van Hool.
Switch is to be praised for the vehicle’s
innovations: wheelchair accessibility
from front entry, low weight, a painstaking
design. Both bus makers opt for depot
charging through standard CCS2.
FACE TO FACE
Switch Mobility e1 Van Hool A12
Length mm 12,000 12,225
Width mm 2,550 2,550
Height mm 3,100 3,400
Overhang front / rear mm 2,777 / 3,223 2,825 / 3,610
Wheelbase mm 6,000 5,790
Passenger capacity n. 93 -
Seats n. 28 41
Internal height mm 2360 -
Front axle ZF RL82 EC ZF RL82 EC
Rear axle ZF AxTrax ZF AxTrax
Motor brand model ZF AxTrax ZF AxTrax
Motor type Asynchronous Asynchronous
Motor layout At wheel hubs At wheel hubs
Power continuous kW - -
Power peak kW 2 x 125 = 250 2 x 125 = 250
Torque continuous Nm 2 x 357 = 714 2 x 357 = 714
Torque peak Nm 2 x 485 = 970 2 x 485 = 970
Battery brand model - Akasol
Battery formula NMC NMC
Battery cooling - Liquid
Battery placement Roof Roof
Battery capacity kWh 389 490
Battery usable energy kWh 346 -
Charging power kW 150 -
Charging technology plug-in CCS2 Combo plug-in CCS2 Combo
Empty weight kg 10,775 13,000
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