World’s first electric bus with Bombardier’s PRIMOVE system begins revenue service

Transport operator Braunschweiger Verkehrs-AG’s first electric bus equipped with Bombardier PRIMOVE technology began revenue service today in Germany. In the presence of senior federal and state representatives, the PRIMOVE electric bus completed its first regular passenger service in the city. This marks another important milestone for the practical application of the PRIMOVE system.

The passenger service has started with a 12 m long electric solo bus operating on the central circular line M19. From October, four additional 18 m articulated e-buses will be phased in. It will be the first time that eco-friendly 18 m electric buses have replaced conventional buses in regular passenger operation.

Each bus is equipped with the wireless PRIMOVE fast-charging system and the new PRIMOVE high-performance batteries. In Braunschweig, the world’s first inductive charging system is coming into use. With an output of 200 kW, it charges electric buses in just a few seconds, enabling them to cover the distance to the next charging station with ease.

In recent weeks, the 12 m e-bus already approved by TUV SUD underwent final system and load tests, enabling the TUV approval of the entire PRIMOVE system in Braunschweig in time for the start of passenger operation. These included 280 recorded charging cycles, almost 3,000 km travelled electrically and various tests for electrical safety and electromagnetic emission.

For passengers, the PRIMOVE system will remain largely inaudible and invisible. The electric buses are not only quieter and cause less vibration than conventional diesel buses, they also accelerate more evenly – a much smoother ride awaits passengers in Braunschweig. The PRIMOVE high power charging pads embedded in concrete are installed under the road surface at the main station and at selected stops. The primary electrical installation is also integrated underground at the bus stops. The cooling units for those wayside power electronics have been neatly integrated into an advertising pillar and the shelter at the bus stop. The location of primary and wayside components underground or in existing street furniture offers great advantages to urban planners compared to conductive charging solutions.

As the world’s leading rail technology provider, Bombardier has a clear vision of the cities of tomorrow. We imagine cities where all vehicles are electric and where mass transit vehicles do not alter the landscape but seamlessly integrate to provide quiet and emission-free urban mobility. With the PRIMOVE portfolio, Bombardier is paving the way for transport operators and vehicle manufacturers to make an easy and convenient transition to electric mobility for all electric vehicles – from trams and buses to trucks and cars. The start of passenger services with the first PRIMOVE electric bus in Braunschweig proves that this vision has matured from an innovative idea to reality.

About the PRIMOVE Pilot project in Braunschweig

Under the term “emil” (electric mobility by means of inductive charging), the Technical University of Braunschweig and the energy supplier BS ? Energy are participating as partners in the innovative project in Braunschweig along with Braunschweiger Verkehrs-AG and Bombardier. It is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

The electric buses from the manufacturer Solaris are fully charged overnight in the bus depot. A quick recharge of the batteries during the regular 10 minute interval at the last station is sufficient to ensure the smooth operation of the12 m solo e-bus on the 12 km route. The 18 m articulated buses require more energy and are therefore additionally charged for a few seconds at two intermediate bus stops. This custom-made charging concept ensures a maximum battery life and an uninterrupted operation with a clean e-mobility solution on the existing bus route.

An overview of how the PRIMOVE system works and how it compares to diesel buses is available under the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hGrk8AHKmw