New and greener propulsion technologies are expensive. The main focus is on cost efficiency.
Unlike coaches, where aluminium Alcoa Wheels dominate the industry, city bus specifications are now also moving rapidly towards aluminium wheels.
With forged Alcoa Wheels, the total cost of ownership is considerably lower over a 10-15 year service lifetime.
In recent tenders, PTAs require a higher passenger capacity, including luggage, cooling and heating systems, connectivity technology, and double glass windscreens.
And Euro 6 engines are up to 125kg heavier than Euro 5.
Mounting Alcoa Wheels directly counteracts this extra weight, avoiding the risk of tender penalties and without compromising safety, as they are five times stronger than steel wheels.
Being 47% lighter, they also contribute to up to 90kg saving for a typical six wheel bus and 150 kg for an articulated bus.
Alcoa Wheels run up to 22°C cooler. This better heat dissipation and the improved radial runout compared to steel extend the lifetime of tyres and brakes.
Alcoa Wheels cut C02 emissions by up to 3 tons over the lifetime of a rigid bus and help save on fuel.
Trials running around Europe show encouraging results of over 1% fuel savings, generating significant cost reductions for city bus operators, regardless the fleet size.
