The electric buses of the future are being built in Mosonmagyaróvár and Győr

The first 100 % electric bus of the Kravtex-Kühne Group, the brand new Credobus Electronell, will be presented in the urban transport of Győr. The vehicle, built in Mosonmagyaróvár and Győr, is one of the most efficient and economical e-buses in the world. The Kravtex-Kühne Group, the market leader in Hungary with more than 3,000 buses produced to date, is ready to electrify Hungarian public transport with its new product.

Hungarian buses with new energy

The Credobus Electronell is a brand new, 100 % electrically powered bus family developed and manufactured in Hungary by the Kravtex-Kühne Group of Mosonmagyaróvár-Győr. The 12-metre model, the first of its kind, will start its first passenger tests today, while the 18-metre articulated version will be introduced in the second half of the year. Both vehicles are barrier-free and suitable for both urban and suburban transport.

A breakthrough in terms of costs

The Electronell 12 is the lightest electric bus with a metal frame, thanks to breakthrough technical innovations.

In contrast to the 13 to 13.8 tons that are common on the market, the new vehicle weighs just 11 tons. The weight advantage of at least 2 tonnes reduces the battery quantity by 25 %. The target range of 300 kilometres can be achieved with 3 battery packs instead of 4.

The solution significantly reduces energy consumption, while benefiting all cost factors: from production to recycling. In addition, the unbuilt energy storage reduces the cost of battery replacement. All of this results category leader life cycle costs, according to preliminary calculations.

Credobus' ultralight construction is based on a metal 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 3 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 drive train, the raised floor section provides full, plane standing places. In contrast to the rear design of low floor buses, the rear row of seats is full width.

The solo vesion is designed with a 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 294 kWh and can be charged in up to 2 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, Electronells will comply with the GSR (European Union's General Safety Regulation), which will be introduced from July 2024. The new generation of driver assistance will provide, among others, the following features: Moving Off Information System (MOIS), Blind Spot Information System (BSIS), Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Driver Drowsiness and Alertness Warning (DDAW), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), immobiliser with breathalyzer and full cyber protection.

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.

The group'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 the only Hungarian bus manufacturer capable of large series production. The Group has a demonstrative reference: about 50 % of the national fleet of 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.

Testing starts in Győr

The Kravtex-Kühne Group is testing the Electronell 12 for the first time in urban transport in Győr, in cooperation with the MÁV-Volán Group. Passengers will be able to experience the bus between 8 June and 14 June 2024, mainly on routes 2, 2B, 5, 6, 7, 9, 17B, 19, 38 and 38A.

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