The New Econell 18 Next
World Novelty From Hungary
Articulated bus reinvented
The new Econell 18 Next is the lightest 18-meter articulated bus in the world.
The unique axle-configuration and optimized frame structure is a breakthrough in weight reduction. The result: at least 3 tonnes lower own weight than the category average.
Econell 18 Next sets a new standard in the articulated category for fuel efficiency and environmental protection.
Bus market innovation developed in Hungary.
Articulated bus with 19.5" wheel system
At Credobus, we are the first who created an articulated bus with 19.5" wheels on all three axles.
The 19.5" wheel size and the optimization of chassis structure for every kilogram has enabled unprecedented weight reductions on articulated buses.
A key element of weight reduction is optimization. Kühne's design and technological know-how enables Econell 18 Next to meet the strength requirements of UN ECE R66.02 (class M3/II) even at a record low own weight.
At least -3 tons
Econell 18 Next has its own weight of only 14 tons instead of usual 17-18 tons of articulated buses.
If the weight of competing models is corrected for the same number of passenger seats, Econell 18 Next's own weight is already more than 3.5 tons lower.
The greenest diesel-powered articulated bus
With its low own weight, Econell 18 Next is the most fuel-efficient and lowest CO2 emitting diesel articulated bus in its class.
A rational transition between the diesel era and e-mobility.
Design
With Econell 18 Next, we are shaping Credobus models for the next decade.
The contrasting-geometric design with the emphasized X-motif and the integrated roof plane is progressive, yet it respects the design traditions of Hungarian bus production. Econell 18 Next is an outstanding piece of Hungarian design culture that shapes the cityscape of the future.
The joint work of industrial designer János TÓTH and Credobus.
* Early outlines of the design process
Folding below aligns with the roof plane
Exciting two-tone painting
E-bus ready design, integrated roof plane
Alloy wheels
Frameless sliding windows
Aesthetic experience
X-motif: reference to the model name
Aerodynamic front coverage
New rear view mirrors
'Edge-shape' windscreen with angular contour
Striking lampholders
Full LED lighting with bright rings for daytime running light and direction light functions
Looks well in all colors
New structure
Credobus is one of the most experienced manufacturers in the ultra-low weight bus category. The fundamentally rethought, self-supporting frame structure supports uncompromising usability with significant dimensional changes.
Frame structure
Extended width
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Full-width front door
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High stability
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Driveline
Euro 6 step-E engine
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Automatic gearbox
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Testing
Écs (Hungary) - Rábaring
Dynamic testing related to articulation system's supplier approval.
Interior novelties
In addition to the striking innovations, the modified frame geometry is particularly important. This contributes to an excellent sense of space and a higher capacity.
New types of passenger doors
New types of passenger seats
New air ducts harmonizing with exterior paintings
Full LED interior lighting with alternated function, door lighting and yellow night lighting
New frame geometry for wider aisles and more comfortable seating
Mechanical design subordinated to comfort
How a low-entry vehicle will be better than a full-length low-floor bus?
The design approach that puts the passenger in focus can be seen in action on every element of the vehicle: in Econell 18 Next, the expected passenger compartment design determines the structural design, and not the other way around!
We boldly say that the Econell 18 Next is the best space-efficient and most passenger-friendly interior bus in its category - there are many arguments in favor of being better than its fully low-floor competitors.
Econell 18 Next breaks with the structural constraints of conventional 22.5” wheeled buses.
There is no other articulated bus on the market that carries the design features of the Econell 18 Next: its unique 19.5” axle-configuration and low-position powertrain installation.
The result: extremely low entry heights, small wheelsets, low podiums, and low floor heights at the rear - and most importantly: market-leading passenger capacity.
The Next-Reasons:
We can also list 100 arguments for the passenger-friendly design of the Econell 18 Next. Here are 14 that are due to the unique chassis configuration and low-position powertrain installation.
A balanced and imaginative interior layout alone would not be enough to increase passenger capacity to this level. Econell 18 Next has high-load, 19.5” wheel diameter axles. Thanks to these, as well as at least 3 tonnes lower own weight, Econell 18 Next can carry more passengers than its competitors - while not becoming overloaded.
90 % of the standing surface has a low floor level, which is more than for some full-length low-floor buses. In addition, Econell 18 Next does not have an expensive and complicated driven portal axle.
If podiums are inevitable, at least they shouldn't disturb us: in Econell 18 Next even the seats on the podiums are easily accessible, because of the minimized podium height.
The entry height is 380 mm for M3/II class and 340 mm for M3/I class. The Econell 18 Next exceeds the specifications: its entry height is only 320 mm, which can be reduced by another nearly 70 mm with the kneeling function on the right side of the vehicle.
Avoiding double seats behind the vehicle connecition significantly speeds up passenger flow. In the case of a doulbe-platform design, it results in a particularly large standing area.
High number of seats without cheating: the seating area of the passenger seats also meets the minimum requirement for suburban buses (class M3/II) in urban versions (class M3/I). For urban versions, this means at least 30 mm more legroom per seat than the minimum and exceeds 680 mm everywhere.
Our seat cushions are 60 mm thicker than usual, and they provide excellent travel comfort during suburban trips too.
The floor under the passenger seats is flat, so the height of the seats and the foot space are the same in the adjacent seats. The facing seats have the same seating heights, so it is comfortable to travel with others.
Thanks to the 19.5” wheel size, there is no unused space between the backrests of the seats in the wheel arches.
The raised part of the floor after the third door can be approached by two steps only 200 mm high, and even at its highest point it is only 450 mm higher than the low part of the floor. Finally a low entry bus that is comfortable in the back too!
In contrast to the full-length low-floor buses, there are also 5 full seats in the last row. Since the engine does not hang into the passenger compartment, there is better heat and sound insulation and nothing restricts the view.
The walkway, which is at least 560 mm wide at all points, also allows passengers to pass uninterrupted behind each other on the raised floor. The straight, fracture-free walkway is located on the center axis of the bus and is bounded by completely vertical surfaces around the steps and podiums.
The raised floor section of the Econell 18 Next is really suitable for standing travel. The internal height of the walkway is about 2 meters, and since the floor is flat, it is not unpleasant to travel standing on this section either.
The headroom is also adequate above the raised floor, as there is no suspended ceiling. And because of the flattened geometry of the air ducts, even the heads of those traveling in the outer seats do not collide with the ceiling.
Capacity
Econell 18 Next's well-thought-out, space-saving cabin offers significantly more capacity than conventional articulated buses.
It’s almost unbelievable, yet a fact: the Econell 18 Next has more capacity than its direct competitors, even with up to 25 % more seats.
Technology
Ultramodern Continental KIBES integrated on-board electronic system with functions introduced for the first time in Hungary.
Virtual dashboard
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Automatic parking brake
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Rain and light sensor
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Excellent driving comfort and increased stability with the articulation system of Hübner.
New generation braking system (EBS 3.3) with electronic parking brake (EPH) with automatic braking functions.
With the optional motor-focused FPT Telematics service, not only near real-time error detection is possible, but also large-scale data analysis (big data) makes it possible to predict future errors.
The three-zone air conditioning system can be optionally expanded with LED modules emitting UV-C light, which inactivate microorganisms in the air of the passenger compartment. UV-C air sterilization technology is an effective solution, among other things, in protection against coronavirus.
Full LED lighting, including fog lights, with rain and light sensor, automated operation.
Landing switches operate with manually generated ultrasound, so no wires are required for their operation and they can be positioned freely.
Passenger seats with USB chargers for continuous availability of mobile devices.
Maximum accuracy, dual camera passenger counter.
7 + 1 camera surveillance system with real-time remote monitoring.
An automatic engine compartment fire extinguisher with the smallest tank available on the market.
External displays with white LED's and ultra-wide 29” passenger information monitors.
New Cockpit
More spacious than ever. The all-new driving environment of the Econell 18 Next synthesizes comfort, functionality and follows the characterful exterior of the bus.
Reversible ISRI driver's seat
Adjustable steering column in a wide range
Control buttons of menu system on the steering wheel
Customizable virtual dashboard
Monitor of camera system next to door operating buttons
Different shaped door operating buttons
Illuminated switch for electronic parking brake
(* The driver's environment in the prototype is under development, handcrafted, scaled M1:1. Finalization in 2022 Q1.)
Gallery
Specification
| Class | M3/II | |
| Capacity | ||
| - Number of seats | - | 56 |
| - Number of standing passengers | - | 70 |
| - Number of wheelchairs | - | 1 |
| - Driver | - | 1 |
| - Total | - | 126 + 1 |
| Dimensions | ||
| - Length | mm | 18.170 |
| - Width | mm | 2.550 |
| - Height (including air conditioner) | mm | 3.130 |
| - Front overhang | mm | 2.570 |
| - Wheelbase (A-B) | mm | 5.550 |
| - Wheelbase (B-C) | mm | 6.670 |
| - Rear overhang | mm | 3.380 |
| Doors | ||
| - Scheme | 2-2-2-0 | |
| Main units | ||
| - Engine | FPT NEF 6 Euro 6 E | |
| - Displacement | ccm | 6.728 |
| - Power output | kW | 235 |
| - Torque | Nm | 1.100 |
| - Transmission | ZF EcoLife 2 | |
| - Front axle | Rába A-605 | |
| - Centre axle | Kühne | |
| - Drive axle | Rába A-309 | |
| Weight | ||
| - Gross vehicle weight | kg | 26.700 |
| Powertrain and main units | |
| Euro 6 step-E engine | ● |
| Automatic gearbox | ● |
| Safety and drive comfort | |
| Electronically controlled braking system (EBS 3.3) | ● |
| Automatic parking brake (EPH) | ● |
| Articulation system | ● |
| Automatic fire extinguishing equipment in engine room | ● |
| Automatic level control | ● |
| Virtual dashboard | ● |
| Full LED lighting | ● |
| Rain and light sensor | ● |
| Temperature control | |
| Antiviral air conditioning (cooling-heating) | ● |
| Autonomous heater | ● |
| Exhaust fan | ● |
| Driver environment | |
| Partially closed cab | ● |
| Reversible ISRI driver's seat | ● |
| Motorized and heated rear-view mirrors | ● |
| Radio (MP3 support) | ● |
| Passenger service | |
| Ramp for wheelchair | ● |
| Wheelchair fixing possibility | ● |
| Vehicle electronics | |
| Wireless stop call buttons | ● |
| USB chargers | ● |
| Passenger Information System | ● |
| Security Camera System | ● |
| Passenger Counting System | ● |
