Today, more than 250 VDL Citea Electrics are in operation across Western Europe, where together they have covered some 15,000,000 electric kilometres. To retain its leading position in the field of E-Mobility, VDL Bus & Coach continues to innovate in the development of batteries and charging technology. VDL has expanded the product package for the VDL Citea Electric range with a new generation of batteries and a charging connection for an inverted pantograph.
“Continuing to innovate in E-Mobility is of key importance if we are to maintain our lead in the field of zero emission public transport. As transition partners, we are constantly striving to further optimise the usability of electric buses and to reduce total operating costs. The introduction of the new battery systems and inverted pantograph compatibility are the clear result of our efforts,” explained Alex de Jong, Business Manager Public Transport VDL Bus & Coach bv.
Improved battery technology
Innovation at VDL Bus & Coach relates to improved battery technology that will be made available in the VDL Citea Electric product range. The latest developments in the field of energy density have meant that the capacity of the basic battery pack has been increased by around 20%. Thanks to these developments, 2 new air-cooled battery systems with an energy capacity of 216 and 288 kWh respectively have now been made available. With an admissible C-rate of 1.5C, the battery packs can be charged to a capacity of between 300 kW and 450 kW. The new battery modules also satisfy the R100.2 safety requirements imposed on battery systems.
Flexible deployment
The introduction of the 288 kWh battery on the VDL Citea solo buses makes it possible to achieve an action radius of between 150 and 200 km without the need for top-up charging. The only charging required is via a CCS plug. By equipping the bus with a pantograph with a 450 kW charger, the vehicle can receive a top-up charge in just 45 minutes. The increased action radius offers the operator the option to choose strategic charging moments outside peak hours. Thanks to these new battery solutions, it is possible to achieve a distance of up to 500 kilometres per day per vehicle. For the operators this means added flexibility in operation, charging possibilities that specifically match the customer’s wishes and at the end of the day, more favourable Total Cost of Ownership.
Inverted pantograph
As well as innovations in new battery technology, VDL Bus & Coach has come up with a new charging connection for the inverted pantograph. By introducing this charging connection for the inverted pantograph, VDL Bus & Coach has met the demand from the market for integration with existing systems. Further standardisation within the market will make it possible for the inverted
pantograph to be employed on a broader scale. The charging connection for the inverted pantograph already meets the soon to be introduced European standard. The charging connection on the bus is suitable for charging capacities of up to 450kW. The most suitable type of pantograph, either roof-mounted or inverted, is selected according to the mode of operation. Thanks to this expansion of its range, VDL Bus & Coach is even better able to meet the varying needs of transport operators and government authorities. The first customers are expected to start charging using an inverted pantograph before the end of the year.
VDL Bus & Coach
The core activities of VDL Bus & Coach consist of the development, manufacturing, sales and after-sales of a wide range of buses, coaches and chassis modules, the conversion or extension of mini & midi buses and the purchase and sales of second-hand buses. Manufacturing takes place in the Netherlands and Belgium. VDL Bus & Coach places high value on quality, safety, durability, the environment, low fuel consumption, comfort and low maintenance costs. Sales of VDL Bus & Coach products take place through a worldwide network consisting of corporate-owned sales offices, importers and agents in more than 30 countries. This makes it possible to offer custom- made transport solutions. For aftersales and maintenance, the client can count on rapid, hassle- free assistance from VDL Bus & Coach employees in any of the many service locations. An extensive distribution network ensures that spare parts and accessories are delivered to the requested destination as quickly as possible. VDL Bus & Coach is one of the largest bus producers in Europe.
VDL Groep
VDL Bus & Coach is part of VDL Groep. VDL Groep, with its head office in Eindhoven (The Netherlands), is an international industrial company focused on the development, production and sales of semi-finished products, buses & coaches and other finished products and the assembly of cars. Since the founding in 1953 this family-owned company has grown to include 99 operating companies, spread over 20 countries with more than 17,000 employees and an annual turnover of 5.049 billion euros in 2017. The strength of VDL Groep lies in the mutual cooperation between the companies.
