Electronell 18: the first Hungarian articulated e-bus

The first Hungarian articulated electric bus has been completed and introduced. Leading Hungarian bus manufacturer Credobus presented the Electronell 18 in Budapest. The new model is the world's lightest steel-framed articulated e-bus. Its own weight does not exceed 16 tons, which allows it to reach a range of 300 km with 25% fewer batteries.

Credobus makes history: the first Hungarian articulated e-bus

The Credobus Electronell is a brand new, 100% electric bus family developed and manufactured in Hungary, a product of the Kravtex-Kühne Group. The 12-meter model was presented in the summer of 2024, and the 18-meter articulated version will be launched for the first time in passenger traffic in early 2025, following its presentation on December 18.

Both vehicles are barrier-free and suitable for both urban and suburban transport.

Ultralight - ultra-efficient

Thanks to breakthrough technical innovations, the Electronell 18 is the lightest articulated electric bus in the world with a steel frame. Compared to the 20-21 tons that are common on the market, the vehicle's own weight does not exceed 16 tons. This means that the battery pack required for the targeted 300-kilometer range is approximately 25% smaller.

The solution significantly reduces energy consumption, while positively influencing all cost factors: from production to recycling. In addition, the unbuilt energy storage also reduces the cost of battery replacement. The Electronell 18 is expected to be the most efficient bus in its category.

Credobus' ultralight construction is based on a steel frame structure, which fits into the existing maintenance environment and is almost completely recyclable. The low weight is ensured by the optimisation of the chassis and 19.5" axles. Additional benefits of the solution include: increased passenger capacity, faster charging, smaller ecological footprint, avoided overloading.

Low Entry: ideal e-bus platform

The Low Entry design enables to places 2 out of 4 batteries under the floor, providing a low centre of gravity and therefore excellent stability, especially when cornering.

Thanks to the optimum wheel size, the wheel arches are lower, so there are no unused spaces between the backrests of the seats on them.

Due to the low positioned drivetrain, the raised floor section provides full value, plane standing places. In contrast to the rear design of low floor buses, the rear row of seats is full width.

The bus is designed with a 2-2-2-2 door configuration, with an interior layout suitable for both urban and suburban applications.

Technology at the forefront of the world

Credobus uses only proven, premium quality components, mostly from European brands, for its electric buses.

Energy storage is provided by 3rd generation liquid-cooled NMC batteries from BorgWarner (Akasol). The battery pack has a total capacity of 392 kWh and can be charged in just over 3 hours with a power output of 150 kW.

The VOITH VEDS HD (Heavy Duty) central motor drive system has a peak power of 410 kW and a maximum efficiency of 97.3%, which increases energy efficiency. The drive system of the solo and articulated versions is built with components of the same size.

Among the auxiliary systems, the heat pump thermal management system is supplied by Eberspächer, the electrohydraulic servo pump by DANA and the electrically driven compressor by Knorr-Bremse.

With the ZF-branded driver assistance systems based on radar and camera sensors, Electronell models will comply with the requirements of the European Union's amended General Vehicle Safety Regulation (GSR II).

Made in Hungary

The buses were developed by Credobus independently, without a general partner, and the main system integration and software development tasks were also carried out in Hungary. The Electronell models are built with Credobus' own high voltage power distribution system (Credobus HVBOX), drive control software and passive cooling system.

Credobus's own production includes the self-supporting chassis and almost all metal parts, including the suspensions. In addition to nearly 100 Hungarian SMEs, such leading Hungarian companies and employers supply components for the buses as Rába, Knorr-Bremse, Metal 99, OROSházaGLAS, Hirschler, König, Graboplast, Semperform.

The start of serial production of the e-buses directly contributes to the preservation of nearly 500 Hungarian jobs and means orders for 100 Hungarian suppliers.

Hungary can also be self-sufficient with electric buses

The Kravtex-Kühne Group is a Hungarian bus manufacturer capable of large-scale production, and is prepared to simultaneously produce diesel and zero-emission buses. The Group has a demonstrative reference: about 50% of the national fleet of MÁV Passenger Transport Co. (formerly VOLÁNBUSZ), more than 2,600 buses are under the brand Credobus.

With the entry of the leading domestic player in the electric bus market, it is possible to produce the majority of the electric buses needed to meet the climate targets in Hungary.

‎‎It will be carrying passengers in 2025

‎‎Passengers will be able to try out the Electronell 18 on MÁV's bus service in early 2025. The transport company will provide information about the details of the test run on its website.

The project is implemented with the support of National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary.