Van Hool unveiled its first zero-emission coach at Busworld in the tri-axle CX45E for the United States market (pictured). It has batteries from Proterra, and Van Hool CEO Filip Van Hool does not rule out offering the same zero-emission package in coaches for the European market should customer demand dictate.
Energy storage in the CX45E is 648kW/h, which gives a range of up to 400km, adds Mr Van Hool. A Siemens 260kW motor is fitted and the traction system is also from Siemens. The coach additionally has a centre-mounted wheelchair lift.
Notably, Van Hool guarantees the range after eight years’ use. Batteries and other electrical equipment are mounted in the rear overhang and within the wheelbase under the floor, resulting in 5.2m3 of luggage space. The CX45E is intended for corporate fixed-route work.
“Now we have an electric coach for North America it would be easy to transfer the electric driveline into the European market,” says Mr Van Hool. “We are definitely prepared to build a battery-electric coach for Europe when we see demand for one.”
The Belgian manufacturer also launched its 10.5m EX11 at Busworld. It comes four years after the EX range made its debut and complements the longer EX15, EX16 and EX17 models. Like its bigger brothers, the EX11 has the DAF MX-11 engine and a ZF gearbox.
In a further development, a number of Van Hool coaches, including members of both the EX and TX ranges, showed Vision Systems’ Smart-Vision rear-view cameras. Internal monitors are mounted on each A-pillar.
