Kleanbus, which offers solutions to replace diesel engines with greener alternatives in buses, has announced the completion of its first advanced modular electric powertrain and the installation of the system into a prototype vehicle.
The solution, which it describes as an ‘e-powertrain in a box’, combines electric powertrain components with the company’s own integration technology.
The product was designed to offer a cost-effective solution to converting a single- or double-decker bus with an ICE engine into one powered with electricity.
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Now that the powertrain has been installed, Kleanbus plans to accelerate its prototype testing programme at its facility in the east of England, while also entering pilot trials with bus fleet operators.
Joe Tighe, co-founder and CEO of Kleanbus said: “Momentum is building rapidly with the completion of our ‘e-drivetrain in a box’ and the installation of this modular platform system into our first prototype.
“We are excited to accelerate our prototype testing programme, with pilot trials also starting this month with two bus operators.
“Leveraging the latest in proven components from leading Tier 1s, our technology agnostic solution enables us to create an adaptable system that can convert a diesel bus into a state-of-the-art zero emission vehicle quickly and cost effectively.
“Kleanbus also provides the complete solution to bus operators, with innovative financing and charging as part of the total package, making it easy to go zero emission.
“The potential for re-powering is huge: lower operating costs for bus operators and accelerating the transition to a clean future.”
Kleanbus’ platform has been set up to take advantage of a wide variety of batteries and motors, allowing the company to create purpose-built e-powertrains tailored to individual bus operators’ needs.
What’s more, from its 9,000ft² (836m²) facility, Kleanbus offers a full base vehicle evaluation and analysis of operator duty cycles as part of its re-power programme, meaning conceptual drivetrains can be modelled and validated via simulation.
Once prototypes are created, Kleanbus reports that they are subjected to a rigorous test and validation programme ahead of certification.
The company offers operators several options for financing the conversion process.
