Minibus manufacturer EVM is to reveal a full-electric variant of its popular Cityline, called the e-Cityline.
“The industry trend towards small-vehicles, backed by cloud-based software solutions like the demand-responsive ‘Via Van’ has created a demand for our Cityline product,” says Peter Flynn, Sales and Marketing Director for EVM.
“Our first e-Cityline lands in May and we will be pursuing the Ultra Low Emission Certificate immediately on arrival,” adds Peter.
The existing diesel-version of EVM’s low-floor Sprinter has enjoyed continued success, bucking the downward trend in the industry with new vehicles delivered continuously throughout the lockdown. It has also been revised to carry more passengers (25) and carry more fuel – see news here.
The Cityline is PSVAR certified and used on regular bus routes where larger vehicles are not appropriate, as well as demand-response services.
“EVM will have a complete range of electric solutions for all of its current range and indeed our forthcoming models in 2021” said Peter Flynn, “We have a steep development curve mapped out to make zero-emission a real choice for our customers, no matter what the application”
The e-Cityline will have 150kW motors with 3 battery packs with a total capacity of 115kWh.
“EVM will have a complete range of electric solutions for all of its current range and our forthcoming models in 2021”
Peter Flynn, Sales and Marketing Director, EVM
The batteries are located in the engine bay and underbody, one forward of the low floor area and one behind the rear axle. The drive motor itself is mounted just forward of the rear axle.
The choice of motor is unique as it is specifically designed to be most efficient at lower speeds. This gives multiple benefits including, reduced vibration, reduced noise from high rpm motors and maximum torque from 0 rpm.
The optimum cruising speed of 70km/h yields 93% efficiency at 2400rpm. Maximum speed of 100km/h is achieved at 3800rpm. With peak torque of 1250Nm and peak power of 150kW being reached at only 1000rpm, it makes the new e-Cityline comfortable in even the most difficult topographies.
Range on electric vehicles can only every be accurately quantified with a lot of additional parameters i.e. driving style, ambient temperature, use of heat/cooling, battery management etc.
EVM has invested heavily in eSORT testing with over 100 vehicles travelling 5800km per workday in 14 test locations all over mainland Europe. The expected range is 200km/124miles.
Battery technology is NMC (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) with integrated BMS (Battery management system) and a life cycle of 2500, with charging time for both models at 2.5 hours on a 50kW DC charger.
