Voith introduces a new electric-drive system for buses

With its new electric drive system for buses, Voith delivers a well-balanced complete system and enters the growing market for e-mobility. The innovative and reliable drive offers impressive features such as intelligent energy management that maximizes efficiency.

The drive system was originally conceptualized as a prototype for a Solaris Urbino Bus, but it can be integrated into vehicles from other manufacturers without restrictions, according to the company.

"The achievable range primarily depends on the battery, which we acquire from an internationally renowned supplier," explained Jürgen Berger, project manager at Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG. "We are currently using a lithium-iron-phosphate battery. This battery offers the highest level of reliability, but the electric drive system is designed in such a way that it can work together with any battery technology."

With a torque of 2,250 Newton meters and an output of 260 kilowatts, the liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor with high-efficiency inverter and smart energy management system provides outstanding driving performance and does not require a separate transmission. The system can even efficiently operate heavy articulated buses. The compact design of the drive means that it is not only low in weight but also low in noise emissions and maintenance. The consistently employed lightweight design approach makes it possible to minimize any surplus weight, which in turn has a positive effect on energy consumption and consequently the achievable range.

In addition, the targeted brake force recuperation of the drive positively affects mileage. The fact that all components are cooled with water increases reliability and performance and makes it possible to reduce noise emissions during operation.

The range of the demonstrator bus currently exceeds approximately 125 miles. This corresponds to the total daily operation of a conventional city bus line. In the near future, this range is expected to increase thanks to further developments in battery technology.

Voith is expecting that by 2030, electric drives will have taken up a superior position in the bus fleets of transport operators compared to other drive solutions. Significant growth of the electro mobility market for buses is expected for all regions of the world. In the course of this, the city bus segment is only the first step toward an emission-free city, which will soon be followed by other segments of the transport sector.