MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian automobile engineering company MAZ has made its first electric bus, BelTA has learned.
It is part of the latest generation of MAZ buses and can cross a major city several times without having to recharge.
MAZ 303E10 is the first low-floor electric bus. It is powered by accumulators able to store 412 ampere-hours of electricity. The cruising range is up to 300km, which is on par with the latest models of internationally recognized manufacturers.
From the outside the bus is designed to resemble the outline of an aurochs. Panoramic windows are nearly one third larger. The structural frame is made of corrosion-resistant steel pipes with a special cross-section to increase the load-bearing capacity.
MAZ 303E10 is powered by a 300kW German motor ZF CeTrax. The electric bus is ahead of many competitors in terms of acceleration speed, cruising range, and electricity consumption. The accumulators can be charged from a 380V power socket or at a special station with a CCS2 Combo power socket. Charging the battery to full at maximum voltage needs four hours.
MAZ representatives described the presentation of the electric bus as a historic moment. The new model combines advantages of buses and trolleybuses. Based on the third-generation bus model MAZ 303, it boasts maximum unification of structural components and equipment, electronic systems.
The external dimensions are optimized for the urban environment: the bus is 12.43m long, 2.55m wide, and 3.3m high. It can carry over 70 passengers and offers 30 seats.
The bus has a retractable ramp for wheelchair users. All the seats are equipped with USB ports to allow passengers to charge their gadgets.
The electric bus uses electric heating, which makes it totally environmentally friendly. The air conditioner can be used for cooling or heating interchangeably.
The driver's cab is equipped with a digital dashboard. Every minor detail is indicated, including information from rain sensors, light sensors, ECAS and EBS safety systems. All the onboard systems can automatically report malfunctions.
All the components have been unified with conventional buses as much as possible in order to facilitate maintenance and repairs for end users.
