Credobus Electronell: the ultralight e-bus family

The leading Hungarian bus manufacturer Kravtex-Kühne Group will enter the market in 2024 with the lightest and most efficient electric bus family, even in European comparison. The Credobus Electronell models will be 1.5 to 3 tons lighter than their competitors, so to achieve the same range, they need to be equipped with about 25 % fewer batteries.

Ultralight e-buses: electromobility in a rational way

Credobus used its own proven approach and reduced the weight of the bodywork to ensure the expected range - instead of installing more batteries. According to the manufacturer's expectations, thanks to the ultralight construction, the Electronell buses will be able to cover the same range as their competitors with about 25 % fewer batteries.

The solo model will be 1.5 and the articulated model at least 3 tons lighter than usual. The rationalized battery capacity simultaneously reduces the purchase price, energy consumption, and the cost of battery replacement, which according to the manufacturer, will result category leader life cycle costs overall.

The frame structures and metal parts of the buses will continue to be manufactured in Mosonmagyaróvár (HU), and assembly will take place at the company group's bus factory in Győr (HU).

The new energy of Credobus

Credobus independently performs certain system integration and software development tasks representing the highest added value. Thanks to this, the new buses will be equipped with the manufacturer's own High-Voltage Power Distribution System, drive control software and telemetry solution.

The frame structures and metal parts of the buses will continue to be manufactured in Mosonmagyaróvár (HU), and assembly will take place at the company group's bus factory in Győr (HU).

Akasol batteries

Energy storage is provided by 3rd generation, liquid-cooled NMC batteries from the German company Akasol. Thanks to the ultralight construction, only three of the 560 kg packages with a capacity of 98 kWh are needed instead of four. Two of three packs are placed at the back, under the floor, which ensures a low center of mass and excellent stability. The battery pack with a total capacity of 294 kWh can be fully charged in about 2 hours with a power of 150 kW. Credobus estimates the range of the first solo model version to be presented at 300 kilometers, which meets almost all traffic needs of the urban-suburban segment.

VOITH drive system

The members of the solo and articulated model versions are made with a simple, durable and robust drive system built from the same components, which are supplied by VOITH. The increased performance VEDS HD (Heavy Duty) system, consisting of an electric motor, traction inverter and control electronics, provides 310 kW continuous and 410 kW peak power, as well as 3,100 Nm of torque. Its maximum efficiency is 97.3 %, which further increases the energy efficiency achieved through mass reduction.

Top quality components

Credobus only uses proven, premium-quality, mostly European brand components for subsystems, ensuring the usual reliability of diesel buses. The heat pump air conditioner is supplied by Eberspächer, the electrohydraulic servo pump by DANA, and the electrically driven compressor by Knorr-Bremse.

New generation ADAS

The Electronell models will comply with the new GSR (General Vehicle Safety Regulation) regulations of the European Union, which will be introduced from July 2024. In cooperation with ZF-Wabco, Credobus adapts the all-round radar and camera system, which helps the driver to avoid accidents by active intervention if necessary. With the new system complex, Credobus provides full functional equivalence with the solutions of the leading vehicle manufacturers.

The solo Credobus Electronell 12 model is expected to be introduced in the first half of 2024, and the articulated Electronell 18 in the second half of the year.

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