SUSTAINABLE BUS 2-2023

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
box, whose most important ‘accessory’
is the Central Recovery Unit, that is the
mild hybrid module. The option includes
a circular electric motor coupled to
the gearbox with an integrated frequency
converter, a 48V lithium-titanate highdensity
accumulator and a 48/24V DC
converter, with relative cooling circuit.
The electric motor contributes to starting
off and maximum acceleration, as well as
managing stop & start in a fully independent
manner.
Reasons for an intercity hybrid
Naturally, the benefit of the hybrid module
is greater in the more intense use of a local
line, but it is also a good fit for extra-urban
services when the drive assistance can be
better exploited at start and pickup.
Another key feature of the new Voith NXT
gearbox is the presence of overdrive on three
speeds (second, third and fourth), thus
bringing the total transmission ratios to
seven. And this peculiarity is particularly
indicated in Class II mixed service, where
ID CARD
Iveco Crossway LE Line mild hybrid
Length 10,845 - 12,050 - 12,965 - 14,495
Larghezza mm 2,550
Height mm 3,330
Wheelbase mm 4,825 - 6,030 - 6,945 - 6,945/1,530
Overhang front mm 2,725
Overhang rear mm 3,295
Turning circle mm 9,140 - 10,720 - 11,930 - 11,930
Seats n.
45 on 12-meter
Passenger capacity n.
71 on 12-meter
Tyres 275/70 R22,5
Entrance height mm 320 / 330
Doors width 800 / 1200
Engine brand model FPT Cursor 9
Displacement l 8.7
Output kW / rpm 265 / 2,200
Torque Nm / rpm 1,600 / 1,200
Transmission
Voith Diwa NXT
Hybrid module output kW 25 / 35
Hybrid module torque Nm 300
Battery capacity kWh 1
Front axle
RL75E
Rear axle
Meritor U17X
Diesel tank l 200
Adblue tank l 80
A key feature of the new
Voith NXT gearbox is the
presence of overdrive
on three speeds (second,
third and fourth),
thus bringing the total
transmission ratios to
seven. And this peculiarity
is particularly indicated
in Class II mixed service,
where the greater distribution
makes it possible to
increase the axle ratio and
always remain within the
maximum torque range.
the greater distribution makes it possible to
increase the axle ratio and always remain
within the maximum torque range.
The Crossway LE, similarly to the Urbanway,
abandons the compact Tector engine
to propose only the Cursor 9 in the
two power supply variants. Power of up to
360 horsepower makes driving exuberant,
which benefits from good weight distribution.
The only flaw is that tires are available
on 22.5” rims but only in the 275/70
format and not 295/80, which is typical for
urban service and less suitable for tortuous
routes with frequent slope changes.
The interiors are made according to the
utmost rationality, through the use of paneling
and cladding in smooth, easy-to-clean
plastic material. There are also various customization
possibilities, both on the passenger
seats (opt. with reclining backrest
and armrest), and for the internal walls
(opt. covered in carpet), as well as for the
luggage racks (equipped with individual
courtesy groups). It is also worth mentioning
that the luggage racks have the highest
load capacity of the whole category,
with almost three cubic meters.
The Iveco Crossway LE was born in the
Iveco plant (formerly Karosa) in Vysoké
Mýto and immediately established itself as
a best seller, thanks to its good cost-quality
ratio (over 56,000 units were sold so far
considering Crossway and Crossway LE).
In this period of energy transition, where
natural gas is still an eco-sustainable and
fully financed alternative, it can further
strengthen its position. So far, only MAN
had mild hybrid on a Class II natural gas
vehicle, but only in the Low Floor version,
with the pros (accessibility) and cons
(price and seats) that this type of vehicle
brings with it.
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