SUSTAINABLE BUS 2022-09

POST-IT
ALTAS LAUNCHES THE NOVUS CITYLINE
The e-minibus from the North
A LITHUANIAN COOPERATION WITH ELINTA MOTORS
The Altas Novus Cityline, based
on Mercedes Sprinter chassis, is the
first full electric product realized by
the group, here in collaboration with
the technological partner, also Lithuanian,
Elinta Motors, in charge of
motor and batteries. There are two
versions available: the 7,367 millimetre
version, which we had the
opportunity to test, and the 7,667
millimetre version, with a wheelbase
lengthened by 50 centimetres.
On board there is room for 15 seated
passengers (including the two folding
seats) and three standing. On the extended
wheelbase version, 22 people
can be accommodated, thanks to the
addition of a row of seats. There is
also a manual ramp for wheelchairs.
Elinta Motors provides the liquid-cooled
three-phase induction
motor. It is mounted behind the rear
axle. It develops a maximum of 150
kW for a peak torque of 1,250 Nm.
The NMC batteries are distributed
between front and rear: two packs under the bonnet, together with the compressor
for air conditioning and the auxiliary fossil fuel heater, if any; third
module at the rear. Total: 115 kWh. The increase in weight attributable to the
batteries is 735 kg (245 per module).
With 18 EU countries covered, deliveries around 800 units per year, certification
as a Mercedes-Benz VanPartner and Volkswagen PremiumPartner,
and ongoing cooperation activities with Iveco and MAN (Altas’ signature
is ‘stamped’ on MAN TGE Coach), the Lithuanian company needs very
little introduction.
On the Novus Cityline there is room
for up to 22 passengers. Elinta
Motors provides the liquid-cooled
3-phase induction motor. It develops
a maximum of 150 kW for a peak
torque of 1,250 Nm. It’ll be on display
at NME in Milan on 12-14 October.
FUEL CELL BUS PARTNERSHIP IS BORN
Iveco Bus will collaborate with HTWO to equip its
future European fuel cell buses with Hyundai-made
fuel cell modules.
HTWO,
as a fuel cell
system-based
hydrogen business
brand of
Hyundai Motor
Group, was
first released
in December
2020. It’s the
first outcome of
the partnership
signed by Iveco
Group and Hyundai in March 2022.
With its fuel cell technology utilized in Hyundai
FCEVs, HTWO is expanding the provision of fuel
cell technology to other automobile OEMs and
non-automobile sectors. Iveco Bus says it is already
participating in European tenders for fuel
cell buses powered by HTWO.
Furthermore, the recently announced plan to restart
production of buses in Italy will provide another
opportunity to manufacture new buses powered
by HTWO’s hydrogen fuel cells. This initiative
aims to leverage the exceptional technology and
competencies of both entities in the urgently needed
renewal of Italy’s public transport.
What is also interesting, Iveco Bus and tech company
Via Transportation have signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) to explore possible
future collaborations in the development of tailored
on-demand public transportation solutions
and associated digital services for buses.
hydrogen
We are changing the image
of public transport
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