Startup ZEEbus has revealed details of its zero-emission repower package that the supplier says is based on “decades of experience in manufacturing and professional vehicle conversions.”
Both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric are mentioned by ZEEbus. It adds that the installation is modular and scalable and can be fitted to both diesel and diesel-electric hybrid buses. A prototype battery-electric conversion has the Voith Electrical Drive System, but ZEEbus says that the ZF CeTrax electric central drive unit can also be used.
For energy storage, ZEEbus is developing what a spokesperson says is a modular battery system that can be tailored to suit the operator. Route testing “will refine the specification for charging times and [energy] consumption,” they add.
The engineers behind ZEEbus are Ralph Hosier and Gordon Mockett. Mr Hosier is a chartered engineer, business leader and motoring writer of over 30 years. He has previously endorsed training for bus operators to Institute of the Motor Industry TechSafe standards for the former Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
Mr Mockett has worked with the bus manufacturers, operators and suppliers on engineering projects. His skillset lies in integrating complex mechanical and electrical systems, ZEEbus says. Both will be present when ZEEbus debuts its battery-electric prototype at a launch event in Bedford between 23-25 May, for which attendance can be secured via email.
Conversion to battery-electric by ZEEbus will take around two weeks and comes at a cost of less than half of a comparable new bus, the supplier says.
It adds that the hardware is integrated using “proprietary modular architecture” to occupy the space that previously contained the engine and fuel tank. “The flexible nature of this architecture allows for the incorporation of next-generation battery cell technology to future-proof the solution,” the company continues.
Please note that the dates for the launch event have changed from those originally circulated.
