Portuguese manufacturer seeks to work with UK bodybuilder; midi demo is due to arrive in 2018
At CBUK Caetano presented what is potentially the most versatile electric bus chassis yet seen in the UK.
Available in six lengths between 9.5-12.7m, the as-yet unnamed chassis will be available with bodywork by Caetano, but the manufacturer is seeking a bodybuilder partner to help drive volumes.
The 10.5m variant is expected to be the most popular in the UK. Caetano says it can mount up to 200kW/h of energy storage on the roof; typical consumption is around 1kW/h per km.
The chassis is built with a fully low-floor, but if an optional raised rear platform is added, further batteries can be placed underneath.
“Battery carriage is limited only by weight,” says Head of Electric Mobility Department Chassis and Buses José Costa.
The driveline can accept overnight charging or opportunity replenishment via pantograph, adds Mr Costa. A 160kW Siemens motor is fitted that allows regenerative braking to 3km/h and tests show that the bus is capable of accelerating up a 20% gradient when fully loaded.
Options for heating include diesel, gas, electric, or infrared. Additionally, heat can be harvested from electrical components.
Caetano plans to build a demonstrator for the UK at either 10.1 or 10.5m. It should arrive here next summer and it is likely to carry Caetano’s own body, but Mr Costa expects all production buses to be bodied by third parties. The dashboard can be customised to suit operators’ wishes.
Caetano has no plans for an electric double-deck chassis.
