HSL trials an all-electric bus
The first all-electric bus will enter into service in the
autumn. The bus will be operated by Veolia Transport Finland Oy and
it will be used e.g. on Espoo internal bus route 11,
Tapiola–Matinkylä–Friisilänaukio.
The electric bus will be tested for three years in both summer
and winter conditions. The bus will be tested also in the test
laboratory of the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT). HSL’s
aim is to get first-hand information on the performance of a
battery-electric bus and to compare conventional bus technology and
alternative fuels. HSL will also collect passengers’ views on
electric buses and acquire know-how in the planning of electric
bus services.
Electric buses are emission-free
Electric buses are almost noiseless and they do not emit exhaust
fumes. HSL’s strategy is to cut public transport emissions
affecting the air quality by 80 percent by 2018. This cannot be
done without the latest vehicle technology, best fuels and
utilizing electricity as a source of energy. Previously, HSL has
participated in the testing of e.g. hybrid buses. The all-electric
bus is a natural extension of previous trials.
The Portuguese Caetano 2500EL electric bus arrived in Finland at
the beginning of September. The bus has a range of 120
kilometers. There will charging points for the bus at the Veolia
depot, in Suurpelto and possible elsewhere in southern Espoo.
Cooperation project to develop electric commercial
vehicles
The electric bus trial is part of eBus project, which in
addition to HSL and Veolia Transport Finland Oy involves, among
others, the Technical Research Centre of Finland, Ministry of
Transport and Communications, Metropolia UAS, City of Espoo,
Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, Fortum Oyj
and several equipment manufacturers. The idea is to test 4-6
electric buses from different manufactures in the metropolitan area
public transport in the coming years.
The eBus project is part of the national Electric Vehicle
Systems Program, which aims to develop increase the amount of
business related to electric vehicles and machinery in
Finland.