In focus | zemtec e-city e-bus

NEW ZEALAND ZEMTEC E-BUS FOR AUSTRALASIAN MARKET

A new electric-bus player emanating from New Zealand has started initial testing of its recently completed Zemtec E-City e-bus, with intent for the solarpanel-roofed bus’s use in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Speaking exclusively to ABC magazine, Zemtec CEO Frank Reardon confi rmed the new electric bus will soon be in the NZ and Australian markets, that initial testing should begin next month and that ‘in service’ trials begin in June, 2021.

“We believe we have selected the best suppliers to partner with [for] quality, support, and safety,” Reardon stated.

According to the company, the ZF e-mobility-based bus – featuring a range of European, American and top-quality ancillary components – is able to “deliver high-quality, sustainable manufacturing effi ciency” and that “Zemtec is leading the change to logical, effi cient and environmentally sensitive commercial EV operation”.

QUICK OVERVIEW

With Zemtec based in Albany, New Zealand, the E-City e-bus is locally designed and built to excel in Australasian conditions, the company explains.

“Most electric buses currently available are adaptations of manufacturers’ conventional diesel vehicles, basically existing designs re-powered with electric motors,” Reardon said.

“That approach misses the opportunity for a radical rethink of bus design and also fails to maximise the benefi t that modern EV technology is able to offer.

“Every element of the design has been analysed in detail to ensure that modern construction methods can be employed whilst real-world operating requirements can be fulfi lled safely and effi ciently.

“The E-City is considerably lighter than a conventional diesel bus of the same size and in fact, in New Zealand, can carry the same passenger load on two axles as opposed to the three axles required by a diesel.

“The E-City is around 30 per cent lighter in mass than other electric buses,” Reardon stated.

“This weight reduction is a signifi cant factor, allowing for reduced battery storage.

“An added benefi t is that the E-City can be driven with a Class 2 NZ driving licence and it has been designed to ensure it is not just the best environmental option, but is also the logical choice for bus operators,” he explained.

CURRENT STATUS

Asked where this E-City trial will be held and via whom, Reardon answered: “Initial trials will be with Bayes Coachlines, which operate services for Auckland Transport. We are in discussions with Auckland Transport for trials to extend to other operators; this will happen but with who is the question at this stage.”

In terms of great operator interest, Reardon stated: “Generally, this will be the fi rst announcement, but we have had ongoing conversations with a few Australian operators keen to come and have a look at

The E-City is around 30 per cent lighter in mass than other electric buses.

the vehicle, which hopefully will happen when the Trans-Tasman bubble is in place.”

ABOUT THE BUILD

The two major safety elements are in the areas of construction and operation, states Zemtec. The E-City frame is built from tier 1 stainless steel, for initial strength and to eliminate any concerns of possible corrosion and subsequent weakening after long-term use, the company explains.

The interior is lined with bonded composite for added strength and fi tted out with fi re-retarding materials, it confi rms.

Safety considerations in the fi eld of operating have led to a completely fl at, unobstructed non-slip fl oor from front to rear, it adds.

There’s also reliable, diffused LED lighting for maximum, and low-glare lighting activated by an automatic sensor plus trap free, out-sliding plug doors that have minimal internal intrusion.

The driver works in a spacious, ergonomically designed work area surrounded by signifi cant frame structure, it states. Additional assistance consists of rear-view cameras, automatic interior/ exterior lighting activation plus automatic wipers fi tted with rain sensors, it adds.

INSIDE FITOUT

According to Zemtec, the E-City provides a modern and fresh interior aimed at maximizing passenger comfort and experience.

A key feature is the step-less aisle from the entry to the rear fi ve-passenger seat. Minimum headroom in aisle is 2,100mm. The steps to access seats over wheel-arches are 250mm or less and the headroom from these is a minimum of 1,800mm.

Seat spacings are generous with a minimum of 300mm knee room measured from the front face of the bench type seats, Zemtec states. Seats facing each other in the rear saloon are separated by modesty panels. The saloon is uncluttered, it confi rms. Air conditioning ducts are incorporated into the roof, meaning the saloon ceiling is streamlined.

“A simple, uncluttered dashboard means drivers can concentrate on the road. Blinds to windscreen and side window can be deployed without affecting rear vision.

“It’s a comfortable, spacious cab with dedicated personal locker. There’s no switch gear mounted above the driver’s head and there’s a top-quality multi-adjustable driver’s seat, plus optional cab A/C if required,” Reardon said.

Opposite:

The E-City can be driven with a Class 2 NZ driving licence and it has been designed to ensure it is not just the best environmental option, but is also the logical choice for bus operators..

Left:

The E-City has been completely developed as a single 3D assembly.

BODY DESIGN

The E-City has been completely developed as a single 3D assembly, meaning its parts fi t, says Zemtec. A unique feature of the design is that exterior panelling from the waist rail down can be removed and the vehicle remains weatherproof. This allows for true bolt off/on panels, it explains.

Evidence to the accuracy of the vehicle is that the E-City does not go into a paint booth during production. Parts are painted prior to being fi tted to the vehicle; an obvious benefi t of this is panel repairs are extraordinarily easy, it adds.

Spares for the ZF and Wabco systems are available through a number of suppliers and will not require any on-site programming, Zemtec confi rms. The lower energy consumption in conjunction with solar charging will greatly reduce energy costs, it adds.

Australia’s Gold Coast-based ATL Composites supplies the E-City with its innovative composite ‘tub’. This tub is bonded inside the frame-work, providing the fl oor and interior side walls.

The tub weatherproofs the saloon, provides insulation and adds considerable strength to the monocoque structure, says Zemtec. As tubs are internal of the frame-work they are protected in the event of any possible accident damage, it states.

The complete monocoque structure is manufactured in NZ’s Wakefi eld Metals 304 grade stainless steel, selected for its high corrosion resistance while maintaining low fatigue properties.