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The new Mowasalat electric bus |
Electric buses have several advantages over the conventional bus, including zero emissions and engineless and gearless operation that is free from noise, vibration and heat. It provides smooth acceleration and high riding comfort, making it ideal for meetings and conferences.
Other added advantages include low maintenance. The new electric bus provides parking zones that are free from noise, heat and pollution.
Karwa, the Mowasalat brand that operates the bus and taxi services in the country will run the “E-Bus Demo” to specific routes such as the Corniche, a spokesman said. Government agencies and private companies have also shown interest in showcasing the bus in their premises.
Since the electric vehicles were launched, two cars and three buses have been in operation on an experimental basis.
Technically, electric propulsion is the cleanest, quietest and the most economical propulsion method available today. The innovative design advances of the electric vehicles provide a solution with zero emissions, silent operation, greater passenger comfort and reduced operating cost.
The electric vehicle is ideal for intercity and shuttle solutions where pure electric drive provides a clean and quiet transport solution - proven to be more popular with passengers and the public. The standard specifications of the electric vehicle and the modularity of the system provide a solution for all requirements. It contains space for a wheelchair with a ramp access at the front door.
The key features of the electric bus include 29 seats and one wheelchair space. It can travel up to 160km between recharges in typical urban conditions. It has on-board battery chargers with an available quick charger and is equipped with a regenerative braking system. In addition, the management system of this type of vehicles ensures optimum performance.
The electric bus has an all electric type drive operated by the storage batteries that produce 120-kW-continuous power. Other significant features include Zebra batteries, which are a bank of batteries with a warranty of six-plus years that can be charged in 10 minutes and can last for 30,000 cycles with a capacity of up to 360 kwh. They are lighter in weight than other alternatives.
The electric bus has an all aluminium body and an upper structure construction, providing lighter weight and lower vibrations and enhances safety and structural integrity. The interior configuration and bus size can be easily customised. The bus has rooftop electric air-conditioning and uses components that have been tried and tested in extreme actual operating conditions
Also, the new bus has an EU-approved ergonomic driver cabin (Siemens VDO). In addition, it has an on-board data logger unit, which provides tracking of the vehicle operation for route management, data collection, remote diagnostics and service information.
“Mowasalata’s commitment towards the environment is demonstrated through its green drive. The company invites the public to experience riding on its 100% battery-operated electric air-conditioned bus,” the official said. “This milestone is a further demonstration of the company’s dedicated ongoing efforts in meeting the growing challenges associated with modernity, making Mowasalat a major leader in reducing environmental pollution.
“This significant technological development, provided by Karwa, is part of the provision of services that bring about multiple environmental and economic benefits. In addition, Mowasalat provides, through this advanced technology, an opportunity for commercial investment, by offering its product to the larger global market to maximise the integrated environmental and economic successes.”