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EUROPEAN ON-LINE MAGAZINE - January/February 2019
RECORD CONFIRMED FUNDS FOR MOBILITY IN ITALY - MAN AUTONOMOUS-DRIVING - SOLARIS ELECTRIC BUSES - ADL FUEL CELL - MERCEDES - SCANIA - COLUMS
MAGAZINE ON-LINE linked www.bustocoach.com - Jan./February. 2019 COLUMS
BusToCoach
USED BUS ON LINE
European on-line magazine
On www.bustocoach.com website is on line the directory dedicated to Used.
Editor in chief
Marino Ginanneschi
marino.ginanneschi@bustocoach.com
Managing editor and International relations
Elena Prearo
elena.prearo@bustocoach.com
Advertaising
FLASH NEWS Live from the transport sector.
DIRECT LINK
ADV SPAZIO s.r.l.
HIGH TECH STORE Ekoenergetyka, ZF, Vision Systems.
I 20129 Milano Via G. Modena 6 Tel. +39 02 7000 4031
E-mail: bustocoach@advspazio.it
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SOLARIS MOBILITY IN ITALY AUTONOMOUS DRIVING 10 million kilometers 3.7 billion euros for bus MAN takes part with its electric buses. fleet modernisation. in @City-AF.
ALEXANDER DENNIS Fuel cell powered Enviro 400.
IN THE FOREGROUND
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MERCEDES-BENZ The latest arrivals on display in Mannheim.
SCANIA Drive test for the Touring HD 13.7.
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FLASH NEWS
BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
LOCALLY PRODUCED ELECTRIC BUS
BYD-ADL FOR STAGECOACH
olaris Bus&Coach has signed a contract for the supply of tagecoach South has taken delivery of nine BYD ADL pure S 3 electric buses in Włocławek, a town in central Poland. Selectric buses. These are the first buses supplied by the parThey are the first buses with electric drive in this city. tnership BYD ADL to Stagecoach Group which, with 8,000
The three Urbino 12 buses will be driven by electric motors integrated in the axle (2×125 kW) and will be fitted with Solaris High Energy batteries with a capacity of 200 kWh. The manufacturer will also provide four charging stations. The vehicles will be completely air-conditioned and will have a hybrid heating system. The electric buses will be deployed on the streets of Włocławek in October 2019. Włocławek is the eighteenth city in Poland to choose Solaris zero emission vehicles. «In some of these cities», points out the Polish manufacturer, «the electric vehicles represent a significant percentage of the entire public transport fleet, for example 40% in Jaworzno. The number of electric Urbino buses commissioned in Poland has reached almost 150 units».
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eCITARO IN SERVICE IN GERMANY
January 7th, the German transport company ON Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (RNV) ceremoniously started operation of three fully-electric Mercedes
BEAUTY ATTRACTS BEAUTY anoramic glass roof and very personal lounge P area. It’s the special look of the Setra S 516 HDH employed by the Savac bus company for the 30 Miss
France candidates. The Setra TopClass touring coach, which benefits from state-of-the-art driving safety and assistance systems, transported the young candidates to Lille where was held the final ceremony with the crowning of the 27-year-old Vaimalama Chaves from Tahiti to the title of Miss France 2019.
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buses and coaches, is one of the largest public transport operators in the UK. They are 10.8m long, have a single door and 36 seats. The nine electric buses will be deployed in Guildford, a historic large town south of London, for use on park and ride services, operating six days a week with service frequencies of between 10 and 15 minutes. “The delivery underlines the steady growth in the BYD ADL partnership’s reach as it begins the penetration of provincial fleets outside London”, stated BYD ADL in a press release.
eCitaro buses. The vehicles are to enter service in Heidelberg and Mannheim. They are fitted with a lithium ion battery pack comprising ten modules each with a power of 25 kWh. The target is a mileage of 200 km or more for each vehicle, to be reached with a fast charge in the breaks during which another eCitaro will operate. Mercedes-Benz will continue to support the company even after the supply of vehicles and charging stations. Together with the energy management specialists (the ‘Mobility House’ in Munich), Mercedes-Benz is developing and implementing a customised charging management system. Charging is optimised in a way that the connection power of the charging devices and the requirements of the vehicle battery are taken into account.
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TROLLEY BUSES FOR FRANCE
olaris Bus & Coach has won a contract for the supply of 22 trolley buses to Saint-Etienne, France. The value of the contract is over EUR 17 million. The 12-m trolleybuses will be equipped with a Skoda drive system and batteries with a capacity of over 40 kWh, which will allow the trolley buses to drive outside the traction network. The on-board equipment will include air conditioning, monitoring, anti-aggressive drivers’ cabin and an innovative interior lighting system that will be partially mounted in the passenger handrails. The Solaris Trollino 12 for Saint-Etienne will be produced in the “facelift” version, which is the standard for all Solaris vehicles from January 2019. In line with the agreement, five of the vehicles ordered by the operator will be delivered to Saint- Etienne by the end of 2019, five more in 2020 and the remaining part in 2021-2022. The contract includes an option of increasing the order by a further two trolley buses.
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HESS ELECTRIC BUSES FOR BERN
the end of 2018, BernMobil converted line 17 to AT battery-powered electric buses. The vehicle is the lighTram produced by the Swiss manufacturer Hess.
The five lighTrams are 18,7 m long and have a capacity of up to 135 passengers, of which 38 seated. Batteries (152 KWh) are mounted on the roof and are automatically recharged in a few minutes at the terminus through an opportunity charging system using renewable energy. The electric drive is on axles 2+3 via permanent magnet motors liquid-cooled. The fully automatic heating and air conditioning systems are 100% electric. Bernmobil is the Swiss company that currently carries out the public transport service in the city of Bern and its surroundings.
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FLASH NEWS
BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
FC BAYERN MUNICH TRAVELS ON MAN COACH
HESS TROLLEY BUS IN AUSTRIA
AN Lion’s Coach for Bayern Monaco. The German soccer team he Swiss manufacturer signed a frame contract for the M travels on an exclusive MAN vehicle from the Lion’s Coach range. Trenewing of the trolley bus fleet in Salzburg (Austria), a Delivered last November, the three-axle coach was specially featured for town where is one of the largest trolley bus fleets in Western
the comfort of athletes at the MAN Modification Center in Plauen. The 32 seats are fitted with adjustable headrest, leg support and integrated table. They are personalized with the Bayern Munich logo on the seat covers and projected on the doors as well as the LED lighting in the Club colors and soft lighting. The on-board equipment also includes four height-adjustable tables and related armchairs for meetings with coaches and technical staff and a kitchen (at the rear) with microwave and steam ovens, three refrigerators, sink, coffee machine and ample space for food and drinks. MAN Lion’s Coach for FC Bayern Monaco is powered by the 6-cylinder MAN D2676 LOH engine (Euro 6) mated to the 12-speed MAN TipMatic automated transmission with integrated retarder. For safety, there are six cameras that monitor the exterior perimeter of the vehicle and there are many drive assistance systems: emergency braking, Lane Guard, electronic stability program (ESP), rain-light sensor, MAN AttentionGuard and Adaptive cruise control. MAN has been an official partner of FC Bayern Munich since 2008. The FC Bayern basketball team also travels on a MAN Lion’s Coach.
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BYD MANUFACTURES IN HUNGARY algótarján, Hungary. Here the Chinese manufacturer S delivered the first electric bus to the Hungarian market. The bus for Salgótarján was built in BYD’s first European
owned electric bus plant. It’s located in Komarom, Hungary, and it has been running since April 2017. «This plant has already delivered bus fleets to the Netherlands and Sweden», pointed out BYD, «and is now producing buses for Brussels Airport Company. The factory has already started production of electric bus chassis for customers in the United Kingdom».
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SCANIA CNG BUSES FOR BOGOTÀ
he Swedish manufacturer will deliver further 260 gas T buses to the Colombian capital. The order follows the one placed last November for the supply of 481 Scania Euro 6 gas
buses bringing to 741 the vehicles intended for the renewal of the TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit system in Bogotà. The 260 bi-articulated Scania F340 HA 8×2 (340-hp engine) will have a capacity for 250 passengers. The buses will be bodybuilt by the Colombian bodybuilder Superpolo while Scania will be responsible for the maintenance services. The vehicles will go into operation during the second half of 2019 and the first half of 2020.  
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Europe. For the first year, the delivery includes 15 lighTram19 vehicles with a length of 18,7 meters and equipped with the Dynamic-Charging-Technology which allows the recharge on partial overhead lines. In the following five years, Hess will delivery up to 35 further vehicles, including the double articulated lighTram25 model with a length of 24.7m and space for up to 220 passengers.
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IVECO CNG BUSES FOR IVORY COAST
atural gas makes its debut on the African continent N with the delivery of 26 Iveco Crealis CNG buses to SOTRA, Abidjan’s public transport company.
This batch is part of a contract for the supply of 450 Iveco Bus vehicles signed last January by the Ivorian government, including 50 articulated natural gas Crealis buses on the rapid transit version (BRT), with scheduled deliveries until the end of the year. “We are proud to contribute to the development of Abidjan’s transport services”, said Sylvain Blaise, president of Iveco Bus, “at the beginning of the ecological and energy transition in this enterprising and open country to innovation. By choosing natural gas, the Ivorian government pays tribute to an entire industrial sector, above all to Iveco Bus, a historic and prominent presence, but without forgetting to include other leading players in the energy and engine sector».
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SOLARIS eBUSES FOR MPK POZNAM
he Polish operator has ordered 21 Solaris Urbino electric T buses (15 articulated and 6 standard ones). They will be equipped with Solaris High Power batteries and
will be suited for both pantograph and plug-in recharging. The on-board equipment includes LED lighting, a passenger information and counting system, CCTV system, USB ports and stop buttons in Braille. «In order to reduce the energy usage of the bus», said the manufacturer, «we will install a photovoltaic cell system on the vehicle roof». The 21 Solaris electric buses will be delivered by the end of February 2020. So far Solaris has supplied over 100 battery buses in Poland and another 90 have been commissioned.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IN ITALY
FUEL CELL BUS MADE IN UK
Green light to the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility with the decree that allocates 3.7 billion euros for the renewal of the bus fleet
AlexanderDennis will add an Enviro400 fuel cell double-decker bus to its range. The prototype has been tested in various cities in the United Kingdom
Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility for the renewal of the bus fleet of Regions and metropolitan cities with low environmental impact vehicles. The Plan provides for the allocation of 3.7 billion euros in the period 2019-2033 (2.2 billion euros for the Regions and 1.5 billion euros for metropolitan cities). The funds are intended for the replacement of the local and regional public transport fleet with electric, natural gas- and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The resources will be allocated in three five-year periods starting from 2019, on the basis of pre-established criteria (which will take into account, for example, the number of passengers carried and the number of circulating vehicles) on three distinct rankings: one for the municipalities that are administrative centers of metropolitan cities and provinces with high PM10 and nitrogen dioxide levels; one for communes and metropolitan cities with
be added to its range. The technology was developed on a Enviro400 double-decker bus which «delivered the best performance of the class during the trial», the manufacturer pointed out. This Enviro400, on which ADL has been working for over two years, was developed in collaboration with Arcola Energy, a systems engineering company and a leading specialist in hydrogen, fuel cells and batteries. The vehicle has an electric driveline with axlemounted motors. The on-board battery is charged by feeding hydrogen from secure tanks to a fuel cell system where it is converted to electricity. It is not necessary to charge the external battery and the vehicle’s only emission is water vapor. The prototype, according to ADL, “has successfully completed trials in several cities in the UK, delivering what is believed to be the
ast December, the Unified Conference anL nounced the go-ahead to the Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) approving the National
more than 100 thousand citizens and one for the Regions. The DPCM also establishes that not less than 34% of the allocated funds should go to South Italy. It is a real breath of fresh air for a bus fleet that, according to ASSTRA (the National Association of Local Public Transport Companies), has exceeded the average age of 12.2 years. 33% of the vehicles are of a lower than the Euro 3 standards. A support, in this regard, is the measure of the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport (MIT) which provides that, from January 1, 2019, circulation across the country of vehicles of categories M2 and M3 fueled with gasoline or diesel of the Euro 0 standard is prohibited under paragraph 232 of the 2015 Stability Act. The prohibition regards vehicles that can accommodate more than eight passengers plus the driver: the majority are public buses and coaches. According to the ministerial decree of November 3, 2016 (GU 293 of 16/12/2016), the buses classified as collectibles or of historic interest, are excluded from the ban.
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recent months, the British manufactuIN rer AlexanderDennis has announced that a hydrogen-powered fuel cell bus will
highest efficiency and therefore lowest fuel costs in its class. Operators who supported the trials commented positively on the performance achieved». ADL is now taking orders for this product and will work with cities, bus operators and other stakeholders in the UK to further explore the potential for hydrogen fuel cell buses through fleet trials. Like any ADL products, it will be sold with after-sales support and will benefit from local hydrogen and fuel cell expertise from the company’s partners. Infrastructures and hydrogen supply can be provided by the company’s partners. «ADL continues to support bus operators across the UK» said Chief Executive Colin Robertson, «by collaborating on the development of new technologies that help achieve environmental and operational targets. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is part of the mix of solutions and we are pleased to offer this option to the industry».
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
MAN SUPPORTS SOLARIS AUTONOMOUS E- BUSES: DRIVING 10 MILLION KM As part of the @city-AF project on automated driving, MAN Truck & Bus will equip a city bus with sensor and actuator systems, using it as a test vehicle ddressing the challenges of automated driA ving in urban environments by helping to make progress in this area. It is the goal of @
City-AF, a project that translates the knowledge gained in @City into specific automated functions. The two initiatives saw the participation of 15 partners from the automotive industry, including MAN Truck & Bus, the supply industry as well as software development, science and research institutes. With the support of the Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), which is providing about 20 million euros in funding, the partners are working together to research automated driving functions for urban settings. To simulate automated driving functions and allow them to be tested under realistic conditions, MAN will equip a city bus with sensors and actuators, using it as a test vehicle. "Automated driving is one of the key ideas associated with the transport of tomorrow. It could significantly help reduce the number of accidents, as well as make traffic efficient and
suitable for the future in urban areas, “said Patrick Ernst, the @City-AF project manager at MAN Truck & Bus. “The automated city bus will play an important role in this. I am convinced that in the future it will be an integral part of the main urban traffic “. “In addition to this,” added Ernst, “our experts will develop an assistant that will allow the vehicle to automatically drive up to a bus stop. Another goal of MAN Truck & Bus is to establish the need for interaction with passengers. «It is important that each party involved understands what the other side is doing, how man and machine can communicate with each other and how misunderstandings can be avoided». One of the goals is to create a shared understanding of automated driving in cities. The project also seeks to play its part in ensuring that future urban traffic is designed to be as safe, convenient and stress-free as possible. Automated vehicles are intended to support the driver and improve the interaction between the vehicle and the driver, as well as between the vehicle and any pedestrians or cyclists.
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The Polish manufacturer takes stock of its electrically-powered buses starting from the unveiling of the battery-powered Urbino in 2011
en million kilometers have already been T covered by electric buses manufactured by Solaris Bus & Coach, since the unveiling of the first battery-powered Urbino in 2011. Almost 400 vehicles have been delivered and commissioned. A few hundred electric Urbinos are currently in service in 16 states and 38 European cities. «The vehicles are doing very well» stated the manufacturer from Bolechowo, «both in the cold of Scandinavia as well as in sunlit Barcelona. A real record-breaker in terms of mileage is the 12-meter electric bus in service in the Polish city of Jaworzno, with almost 250,000 km on its odometer». The range of Solaris electric buses has considerably widened in terms of vehicle length, battery capacity and charging modes, types of driveline as well as heating/air conditioning systems. In addition, Solaris offers comprehensive investment management services that cover not only the supply of buses and of charging systems, but also the construction works of charging stations. Solaris engineers
have then developed a remote diagnostic system for electric buses, called eSConnect, which will increase the possibilities of operation and maintenance of the Urbino electric, thanks to the considerable amount of data collected during rides in the city traffic. «The experience gathered during the travels of every Urbino electric bus has allowed the company to design a serially produced bus that is able to replace a diesel vehicle in urban traffic» explained Solaris. «These are also the laws of the market in which vehicles with alternative drivelines claim an increasing share, especially for city buses. Expert forecasts indicate that, in 2030, electric drivelines will be featured in almost half of all new buses in Europe, while diesel engines will only be installed in 7% of these vehicles. Electric buses are much cheaper, quieter and emission-free. According to Solaris, these vehicles represent the future of urban transport, which is the reason why the manufacturer continues to reinforce this production segment».
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HIGH TECH STORE
BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
EKOENERGETYKA
ZF FOR MOBILITY
tender for the delivery of charging infrastructure for the French public transport company RATP. The agreement is in force for two years with an option for extension for another twelve months. The total amount can amount up to 50 million euros. Ekoenergetyka will deliver at least 62 chargers with a minimum output of 50 kW each, customized to meet RATP requirements. For example, they will have a compact shape and minimum size. All chargers will be ready in August 2019. The first 60 and 100 kW charging stations will be delivered in February 2019. They will power the Île-de-France electric buses. The agreement includes maintenance, commissioning and even after-sales service as an option. The charging stations will have a two-year guarantee.
forms of urban mobility, including automated driving. Together with the transport operator Transdev and e.Go, the manufacturer of electric vehicles, it has established a partnership for the development of a new shared autonomous mobility solution. In this regard, ZF is equipping the e.GO Mover with electric drive systems, steering systems and brakes as well as ZF’s ProAI central computer (which uses Artificial Intelligence) plus sensors that enable automated driving functions. Transdev, through the global Autonomous Transport System solution (ATS by Transdev), will provide its supervision system, connected infrastructure and client application. The solution, according to the partners, will be fully operational by 2020 and the priority markets will be France and Germany. With Microsoft, ZF has instead expanded its partnership to create a digital cloud platform in the automotive market. The cooperation puts ZF in a position to offer digital services in the field of automated driving, vehicle motion control, integrated safety and e-mobility. The products range from fleet management solutions to predictive maintenance applications and process automation based on the ZF Cloud. At CES 2019 in Las Vegas, the world’s largest consumer electronics and technology show, ZF presented the first possible applications for the expanded platform. On display there was a steering-wheel- and pedal-free robo-taxi to show how users can hail the taxi from a smartphone or a tablet. The self-driving vehicle will then autonomously pick them up and chauffeur them to the chosen destination. The ZF sensor range helps the vehicle to accurately detect the surrounding environment while the ZF ProAI RoboThink computer for autonomous driving is designed to process sensor data, translate it into a coherent picture and derive the right commands for the vehicle. The commands are then implemented by ZF systems that enable vehicle motion control by enhancing safety, also controlling chassis, drive, steering system, brakes or passenger safety systems.
he Polish consortium everal initiatives have been T Ekoenergetyka-Polska Staken by the German mul(EKO) and El-Cab won a tinational ZF to develop new
SMART-VISION
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mart-vision will replace rear-view mirrors with high defiS nition cameras and interior displays. Produced by Vision Systems, this solution ensures excellent visibility both night
and day, in any weather conditions thanks to the automatic adjustment of the screens’ brightness. «In addition to eliminating the side blind spots», the Vision Systems specialists point out, «it offers functions such as the suppression of the A pillar blind spot, parking and maneuvering aid, driving assistance, or safety monitoring around the vehicle». Another advantage is the improved aerodynamics of the vehicle: thanks to the removal of the mirrors, wind resistance is reduced and so also fuel consumption. According to the manufacturer, fuel consumption is cut down by 5%. It also eliminates the risk of collision between the mirror and a road user. Pedestrians and cyclists are visible from the front to the rear of the vehicle. «This minimizes the insurance and maintenance costs linked to potential injuries and damages».
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
NEW MODELS ON THE ROAD
The latest arrivals from Mercedes-Benz presented at the IAA in Hanover last autumn, are now in service in Mannheim on urban and intercity roads
at the IAA in Hannover last SeptemIF ber the Mercedes-Benz new models were just displayed, in December it was possible to see them in operation on two different routes in Mannheim, Germany, respectively of 16.6 km in the city and 35.4 km on intercity roads. The Mercedes eCitaro, with all its technological innovation for electric mobility, was supported by the Citaro with mild-hybrid module and by the the Tourismo Safety Coach, both equipped with the most advanced safety systems. On the road, also the short-
size Transfer 35 and the Mobility 23 of the latest generation Sprinter range. The first electric zero-emission Mercedes-Benz bus, the eCitaro, is built on the platform of the best-selling Citaro, which has sold over 50 thousand units worldwide. The eCitaro is a true Citaro, therefore, but with elements of its design borrowed by the revolutionary ‘Mercedes-Benz Future Bus’ study and this is particularly evident in the front. At the same time, the new eCitaro focuses on ‘practicality’ by adopting the structure of the current model, a crucial factor
in facilitating the repair of accident damage. In the passenger compartment, the eCitaro is consistent with the general update of the Citaro family with larger interior, larger roof hatches and new LED transversal lighting with a built-in loudspeakers. The driver’s area remains unchanged. On the cockpit, a power meter replaces the rev counter and displays the current power
demand and/or the energy recuperation rate. The driver also receives information about the charge status of the batteries. On the steering column there is an electric brake lever that works like the one usually used for the retarder. This solution is very practical when driving. Much attention has been given to the thermal management of the vehicle. Compared with
SAFETY MODELS
afety has always been a S key concept for Mercedes-Benz. An example is the
Tourismo touring coach. The standard equipment includes a highly effective brake system, powerful headlights, ergonomically designed cockpit, exterior mirrors providing excellent visibility, assistance systems such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the new Active Brake Assist 4 system as standard and the Lane Assist. A new arrival is the turning assist system: the Sideguard Assist (optional). Equally exemplary is the level of safety of the Citaro. The cockpit represents the latest in ergonomic design. As the first low-floor bus in the world, it features the ESP as an option. In turn, the articulated version (Citaro G) is fitted as standard with the Articulation Turntable Controller (ATC), which has a similar effect to ESP, since it interacts with both the engine and the brakes. Preventive Brake Assist also becomes part of the active brake assist system, plus Sideguard Assist as the first turning assist system. The Citaro also has a high-strength annular frame structure to protect passengers in the event of an accident and a special crash element to protect the driver in the event of a frontal collision. The standard equipment also includes the fire alarm system for the engine compartment.
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the current Citaro with combustion engine, the energy requirement for heating, ventilation and climate control has been reduced by around 40% thanks to the use of innovative components. The CO2 climate system with heat pump is therefore impressive even at very cold temperatures (-10°). There is also a second heating circuit powered by a braking rheostat. Fossil fuels can also be used. It should be noted that it is possible to cool or heat the vehicle before it sets off. The powertrain of the eCitaro is based on the proven ZF AVE 130 electric portal axle with electric motors at the wheel hubs. The peak power output is 2 x 125 kW, while the torque is 2 x 485 Nm, available already from the start. Thanks to an acceleration of 1.2 m/
sec2, on the road the dynamic performance of the eCitaro is always brilliant. Lithium-ion batteries have a total capacity of up to 243 kWh and are split between up to ten modules. The basic equipment includes four modules fitted at the rear plus another two to six on the roof. The total standard module number is six. For the start of series production, plug-in charging is provided via a socket for a Combo-2 plug located above the front wheel arch on the right-hand side of the vehicle. Once series production will be started, an option to charge via a current collector on the roof is scheduled in 2019. There will be two possible variants: in phase 1, an integral current collector (pantograph) on the roof; in phase 2, roof-mounted charging rails for charging
SPRINTER NEW GENERATION
he new Mercedes Sprinter forms the baT sis for a new generation of minibuses with the three-pointed star, represented, as before,
by the Sprinter City, the Sprinter Transfer, the Sprinter Mobility and the Sprinter Travel. The debut was in 2018 with the Sprinter Transfer 23 and 35, the Sprinter Mobility 23 and the
City 75, the latter developed from scratch. The rest of the models will follow in 2019, as well as all Sprinter Travel models. Once completed, the range will comprise more than 20 left-handdrive and right-hand drive models in the fall. The new Sprinter Mobility model series focuses on two models: the compact Mobility
23 with a length of only 5.9 meters and a gross vehicle weight rating of 3.5 tons and the Mobility 45 with a gross vehicle weight of up to 5 tons. The first one can be driven with just a Class B license and can accommodate up to eight passengers, up to four wheelchair bays or a mix thereof. It is accessed via a step at the sliding door or via a ramp at the rear end. The seats are anchored with a quick-change system for adequate operational flexibility. The Mobility 45 can accommodates up to 19 passengers or six wheelchair bays and has a raised floor. Other special feature: it is optionally fitted with the touring coach ceiling. The Transfer range includes four models with gross vehicle weight between 3.55 and 5.5 tons and offers room for 12 to 22 passengers. In this first phase, the focus is on the Transfer 35. It is 6.97 meters long and is based on the original body of the Sprinter with high-roof, it has a passenger capacity of 15+1 as standard (optionally 18+1 or 19+1). The gross vehicle weight rating is 5 to 5.5 tons. The new Sprinter City 75 is instead the hallmark of Mercedes minibuses for scheduled services. Like the design, the technical concept is completely new. It is based on the Sprinter chassis, but only up to the B pillar, after which the skeleton is self-supporting. The cockpit has a low entry design. It is 8.5 meters long and offers up to 38 seats. The bodywork conceals unrivaled technology.
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via a stationary current collector at a charging station. As far as the range of the eCitaro is concerned, Mercedes-Benz declares a range of around 150 kilometers in summer, based on the parameters of the SORT2 driving cycle and also including the energy requirements of the auxiliary consumers. Under ideal conditions, the eCitaro even drives, according to the manufacturer, about 250 km without charging. And what about the future? «The eCitaro», underlines Mercedes-Benz, «is already designed to adapt to the battery technology of the future. This concerns, for example, the lithium-ion batteries currently in use. The next generation, with higher capacity and a consequent increase in range, will already be available for customers of the eCitaro in two years’ time. With a total capacity of up to 330 kWh, the eCitaro will cover about 50% of all applications. This battery capacity also opens up to the introduction of the eCitaro G articulated bus». “Another step already scheduled”, adds the manufacturer, «provides for the use of lithium-polymer batteries, also called solid-state batteries, as an option in the future. These are characterized by a particularly long service life and a high energy density. Subsequently, the eCitaro range will once again be increased by a fuel cell-shaped extender that generates electricity. This technology eliminates the need for opportunity charging and the complex infrastructure required for it in almost all cases».
MERCEDES SAFETY SYSTEMS FROM A TO Z
ercedes-Benz has been supporting bus and coach driM vers for many years with an increasingly wide range of assistance systems. At the heart of these is active safety
for accident prevention. Equally meritorious are the many measures for mitigating the consequences of an accident. But now Mercedes is raising the bar higher with even more advanced systems. The alphabet of the Mercedes-Benz safety and assistance systems covers the entire range of technologies. These include the enhanced emergency braking assistant Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA 4) with pedestrian recognition for touring
coaches, the Preventive Brake Assist, the first active brake assist system for city buses that uses up to 50% of braking force (taking into account on-board standing passengers) and the Sideguard Assist for city and touring buses and scheduled service buses. These systems can save lives and all far exceed the requirements laid down by law. But the list goes on. Just to give you another example, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), now provided as an option also on the Citaro, the autonomous intelligent cruise control feature based on radar technology (AICC), the continuous braking limiter that brakes the touring coach through
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a retarder when the speed limit of 100 km/h is exceeded, the Front Collision Guard (FCG), a passive safety system designed to protect the driver and the tour guide in tourist coaches in the event of a frontal impact. Another important focus for Mercedes-Benz is driver training, in which drivers are taught how to recognize danger quickly and avoid risks, as well as how to react correctly in the event of an accident. The focus also includes responsible vehicle maintenance. The aim of the integral safety concept is ambitious: to realize the vision of driving without accidents.
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BusToCoach on-line Magazine - January/February 2019
SCANIA - TOURING HD 13.7 Routes
km
km/h
km/litre
Main Road
45
58.7
3.94
Highway (up)
47.4
60.5
2.98
Highway (down)
50.5
58.3
9.00
Highway (plain)
215.8
93.8
5.41
TOTAL
358.7
76.1
4.92
Performance Index 0
9.36
FUEL COMSUMPTION
km/litre
9.00
5.41 3.94
2.98
Main Road Down on the Highway TOTAL AVERAGE
DIMENSIONS
Length mm 13,700 Width mm 2,550 Height with AC mm 3,800 Wheelbase mm 6,355+1,500 Front overhang mm 2,810 Rear overhang mm 3,035 Luggage m3 9.8 Turning circle mm 22,400 Fuel tank litres 500 AdBlue tank litres 80 Test weight kg 21,235
ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING CONSUMPTION
4.92
Up on the Highway Plain on the Highway
he 12.1-meter Touring HD had amazed T for the low fuel consumption registered during the drive test at the end of 2017 (see
BusToCoach Magazine in November 2017). The average consumption of 5.49 km/l seemed excessively good but, on balance, it was exactly like that. The opportunity to test also the three-axle version was, therefore, the occasion for further confirmation of road performances. So, after due consideration on the different gross weight of the vehicle (3.235 kg more than the two-axle version), the Scania Touring HD 13.7 confirms its cost efficiency and ranks, as it was for the 12-meter version, at the top of the classification of the buses of its category tested so far (see table at the end of the article). èè
T E S T
THE TEST ROUTE
PASSENGERS PASSEGGERI
Seats n. 61+1 Internal heigth mm 2,085 Aisle heigth mm 1,350 Aisle width mm 450 Entrances width mm 600/700 Raks capacity m3 1.4
Comfort
Seats type Kiel reclining A.C. Konvekta 38 kW Heater convectors 30 kW Lighting Led Roof Hatches 2 manual Glazing double Audio Blaupunkt Video 2 monitor Lcd 19” Toilette yes (optional)
Up to 63 seats
is equipped with 61 Kiel IT reclining and extendable seats, complete with accessories
and with eco-leather headrest and edges, mounted on a faux wood raised base with respect to the aisle. Without toilet (the Touring under test featured it as optional) two additional seats can be mounted. The presence of the toilet reduces the capacity of the luggage compartment under the floor to 9.8 cubic meters. To access it, there are 1+3 side panels with manual pantograph opening. Open luggage rucks allow stowage of approximately 1.4 cubic meters of hand luggages. At the bottom the personal sets are equipped with LED reading lights, like the rest of the interior
lighting. Climate is kept under control by the separate management of the Konvekta group with 38 kW of cooling power and 45 kW of heating power and by the floor convector heating powered by the 30 kW Spheros engine.
Infotainment is ensured by the Blaupunkt audio-video system, complete with two 19 “LCD monitors. On the walls under the windows, in correspondence with each row of two seats, it features USB plug sockets.
•
On the usual 359-kilometer route used by BusToCoach, it consumed an average of 21.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (4.92 km/l), where fuel means diesel (70.52 liters in total) plus the equivalent price value of AdBlue (2.33 liters). In general, the Touring HD 13.7 consumes 6.66% of the burned diesel fuel and therefore the refueling of AdBlue (80 liters the tank) has to be done every 2-3 times the diesel tank has been filled with 500 liters. The powertrain is substantially the same of the 12-meter version. The Touring HD 13.7 features the latest-generation 12.7-liter Scania DC13 engine (with power output increased to 450 hp), a 12-speed Scania Opticruise automated transmission and a 2.82 final-drive ratio. Only the size of the tires has been changed: it is fitted with Michelin X Line 315/80 R 22.5. èè
COCKPIT AUTISTA
Platform heigth mm 950 Cockpit width mm 900 Cockpit depth mm 1,100 Cockpit heigthmm 2,170 Adjustment seat mm 180
Equipments
Seat type Isri 6860 A.C. yes Window electric Sunshade double, electric Blinds (left) manual Refrigerator yes
Same module
he driving position is the same T of the 12-meter Touring Hd, that is, with an access platform
lowered to 950 mm from the ground and two steps below the aisle level. Here is anchored the Isri adjustable pneumatic suspension seat, with a 18 cm longitudinal stroke. In front of the driver position there is a simple and orderly dashboard with an instrument panel that includes the colour multifunction display and the usual four main analogue instruments: rev counter with current fuel consumption gauge, speedometer with oil pressure gauge, fuel level and engine temperature. On the right side of the dashboard, the display for the GPS navigation, the images taken from the reversing camera or from the CCTV in order to control the front area and the central door. The climate controller and the audio-video equipment are in a lower position. Underneath the window there is
the control panel, while the microphone and the usual cockpit fridge are placed facing the tour guide seat.
It is equipped with electric side window, electric split windshield sunshade and electrically-heated multiple rear-view mirrors.
•
To explain this new record-breaking consumption, therefore, we can only restate what already reviewed for the 12-meter vehicle tested. The average speed of 76.1 km/h, confirms the first rule for a correct driving style, namely that it is not advisable to press too much on the accelerator if you want to keep the consumption low. This is obvious but not taken for granted. Secondly, the “reason” for so much economy in fuel consumption, in addition to the ability of the Scania engine combustion process and the adoption of a wide-ratio transmission, should be identified in the positive effects of the 12-speed Scania Opticruise automated gear changing system. In particular, Active Prediction and Pulse & Glide. The first uses topographic map data and GPS technology to determine road’s topography in the following 3 km that the vehicle is about to face, choosing the best gear and speed to minimize fuel consumption. The second increases considerably the overall time the vehicle uses Eco-roll feature (i.e. running in neutral) on sloping roads, as proved by the 9 km/l travelled in downhill motorways. On level ground, the average can reach almost 4 km/l on highways and exceed 5.4 km/l on motorways. This was registered during the test. As on all High-Decker coaches (HD), the lowered center of gravity (compared to HDH coaches) contributes to driving stability, further ensured by the presence of the third axle which, thanks to the self-steering system at low speed, ensures maneuverability up to a minimum turning circle of 22.4 meters. The electronic management of the suspension and braking system operates with the support of many safety systems. Among èè
ENGINE kW
.
331 325
Power
300
2,350
275
Torque
250 225
1,000
Nm
2,000 1,650
1,300
1,600
rpm/min
1,900
12.740 130/160 vertical 6 in line back
Power 450 cv (331 kW)/1,900 rpm Torque Nm 2,350/1,000-1,300 rpm Injection Scania XPI Compression Ratio 20:1 Oil Tank litres 40 Pollution Class Euro VI Gas Treatment DOC+DPF+SCR+ASC Life test vehicle km 4,965 TYRES Michelin X Line Energy 315/80 R 22.5
Without EGR
SUSPENSIONS Full pneumatic with level’s electronic control (ECAS). Front axle Scania AM700D with indipendent wheels. Drive axle Scania ADA 1300 and the third axle is the Scania steering ARA860. BRAKES Full disc brakes. Pneumatic system with electronically controlled EBS and integrated secondary retarder in the gearbox.
SAFETY ESP, LDW, AEB, ACC, TC, Hill hold, 156/150L reversing camera.
2,000
11 14 17 22 27
1,500
34 th
7
42
52 th
8
th
9
40
50
67
82
103
th
10
127
12
th
1,000 500 0
0
10
20
30
60
Km/h
70
80
90
100
110
120
TRANSMISSION The tested vehicle has the automated Scania Opticruise GRSO895R with 12 speeds and the integrated Intarder. Transmission Ratio 2,92 Acceleration 0-100 km/h sec. 37,6
•
he powertrain of the Touring T HD 13.7 confirms the validity of coupling the 12-speed Scania Opticruise automated transmission (with all its electronic management systems) with the new DC13 engine. In this case, the version is rated at 450 hp (331 kW), with a torque of 2,350 Nm available up to 1,300 rpm. Peculiarity of the 12.7-liter version is to be without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and to rely only on SCR to comply with the Euro 6 norms. Or better, on a silencer that incorporates in a single unit an oxidation catalyst (DOC) for the reduction of the HC and an integral flow particulate filter (DPF), followed by the AdBlue mixer, a double parallel SCR catalyst to reduce the NOx and by the ASC catalysts for the reduction of residual ammonia particles resulting from the catalytic reduction process performed by the SCR.
them, there are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for automatic distance control to the preceding vehicle, Advance Emergency B r a k i n g (AEB) for autonomous emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Hill Hold for uphill starts and the camera for reversing. Exterior lighting features LED rear lights and Xenon headlights. The fuel fillers are mounted on both sides of the vehicle and the luggage compartment has a total capacity of 9.8 cubic meters (with the toilet installed), accessible from doors with pantograph opening.
GEARBOX
rpm/min
1 st 2 nd 3 th 4 th 5 th 6 th
Scania DC13 147 Displacement cc Bore/Stroke Geometry Position
COACH: 3-AXLE COMPARED Model
weight kg
cv (kW)
km/h
km/litre
Index
Scania Touring 13.7
E6
21,235
450 (331)
76.1
4.92
9.36
Setra S 531 DT
E6
23,670
510 (375)
75.9
4.09
7.76
4.44
8.86
4.18
8.45
4.16
8.12
4.20
8.63
4.45
9.07
3.52
7.26
3.64
7.30
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/novembre_2018_setra_en.pdf
Setra S 519 HD
E6
21,580
476 (350)
79.8
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/dicembre_2017_setra.en_.pdf
Irizar i8 14.07
E6
23,150
490 (360)
80.9
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/marzo_2016_irizar_en.pdf
Mercedes Tourismo L E6
21,400
428 (315)
78.1
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dicembre_2015_mercedes_en.pdf
Irizar i6 HDH 14.37
E6
23,640
490 (360)
81.2
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/aprile_2015_irizar_en.pdf
Setra S 516 HDH
Among the main features of the engine, the extra-high-pressure common-rail XPI injection, the fixed geometry turbocharger (FGT) with wastegate valve and the automatic engine brake.
•
E6
21,100
510 (375)
81.5
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/settembre_2014_setra_en.pdf
Van Hool Astronef
E5
22,160
510 (375)
82.5
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/settembre_2012_vanhoolprova_en.pdf
Setra S 416 HDH
E5
21,442
455 (335)
80.3
https://bustocoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/25.07.2011_setra_en.pdf