Two electric powered vehicles (EVs) from Optare which were on show at Coach & Bus Live 2013 demonstrated Optare’s position as the UK and Europe’s leading designer and manufacturer of full-size, commercially viable, battery-powered buses and its continued passion for innovation.
A 9.25 metre Solo EV presented in the ‘Showcase Arena’ is currently undertaking a series of demonstrations to operators around the UK. And on the company’s stand there was a 10.4 metre Versa EV, which is one of a number about to enter service with Nottingham City Council.
Both the Solo and Versa EV models are powered by the Magtec P144 zero emissions electric motor producing 150 kW of power and 2380 Nm of torque giving them swift and smooth acceleration and excellent hill climbing capabilities, as proven in service. A maximum speed of 95 kph (59 mph) can be comfortably achieved to ensure inconspicuous traffic compatibility.
The motor derives its power from two battery packs each consisting of 26 lithium iron, magnesium phosphate, maintenance-free batteries that provide a total of 333 volts DC nominal x 2 in parallel. This gives a daily range of between 110 and 150 kilometres (70-95 miles) on a single charge, depending on the duty cycle.
The range can be extended by the use of fast-charging technology on the bus, linked to charging points at the depot or at suitable points on the route, such as bus termini, and which allows for opportunity charging during layovers in the schedule. When in service the batteries also receive additional charging through the use of regenerative braking.
Normal charging is by means of two 7.5 kW integrated on-board chargers connected to a standard commercial three phase supply and which enables a full charge from zero, to be achieved in approximately six hours. An alternative is the optional 50kW off-board charger, which can provide fast-charging in around two hours, or opportunity charging as required. Later this year Optare plans to introduce an induction charging system as another option.
The drive motors, summation gearbox, chargers and battery packs are contained within a demountable frame, which enables rapid removal and uses ‘no loss’ couplings for fluid lines.
Although the initial purchase cost of an EV is higher than an equivalent diesel-engined bus, this is counteracted during the lifetime of the bus by savings of up to £8,000 a year on fuel alone, with daily recharging costs estimated at less than £10.00. Further savings result from significantly reduced maintenance costs because of the relative simplicity and robustness of the electric propulsion system and, in the UK, from the fact the EVs carry no Road Fund Licence cost.
In structural respects Optare’s EV products are the same as their standard diesel-engined equivalents. They feature an all-welded heavy-duty box section integral construction using a combination of stainless and high-grade carbon steel, backed up with an anti-rust protection system to ensure a long life. A combination of GFRP and aluminium modular exterior panels keep weight low and facilitates easier, cost effective repair or replacement.
Passenger ride comfort is assured by full air suspension with a ‘kneeling’ capability on the front axle that reduces the entrance step height when the air bags are exhausted. A manual fold-out ramp makes access easier and safer for passengers with reduced mobility, in wheelchairs or with baby buggies.
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Optare once again demonstrated its passion for innovation in passenger vehicle design and technology by showing two electric-powered, two diesel-powered and a hybrid model from its range of low-weight integral single-deck buses at Coach & Bus Live 2013.
A Solo EV was also displayed in the new ‘Showcase Arena’ at regular intervals throughout the show with an accompanying commentary describing the features and benefits of electric power. Tthe Solo SR EV will now undertake a series of demonstrations to operators around the UK. The bus is powered by the Magtec P144 zero emissions electric motor receiving electricity from two battery packs each of 26 lithium iron, magnesium phosphate, maintenance free batteries.
On the company’s stand there were four vehicles which illustrated the breadth of both the low carbon and conventional diesel product range now available from Optare and the continued passion for innovation which has long been the hallmark of the company.
A 10.4 metre Versa EV was on display which employs the same technology and powertrain as the Solo EV in the Showcase Arena and is one of ten in build for Nottingham City Council.
Making its debut at Coach & Bus Live was the company’s 2014 Solo SR model featuring a redesigned interior ready to accept the larger mechanical package that will be necessary to meet Euro 6 emissions legislation.
Most of the changes in the 2014 model are in the raised platform area at the rear of the vehicle where Optare has taken the opportunity to also improve passenger access and comfort. The 9.7 metre vehicle on display was fitted with 27 Esteban Civic V2 seats and six tip-ups in the wheelchair bay and in the dedicated buggy bay directly opposite.
A diesel-powered example of the Versa was also on show in the colours of Go North East, who are taking delivery of 14 this year. The bus was an 11.7 metre model, which had 37 fixed and six tip-up seats and weighs in at just 7,820 kgs. During extended trials by Go North East under very demanding operating conditions, this low weight contributed significantly to exceptional fuel efficiency for a bus that has the same passenger capacity as a 12 metre model.
Optare further demonstrated its strong commitment to low carbon technology with an example of a hybrid Solo SR, one of ten recently supplied to MCT for operation in Greater Manchester. The 9.2 metre model on show featured a Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine delivering 130 kW (154 bhp) at 2200 rpm and linked to an electrical system by Siemens, which includes energy storage in roof-mounted maintenance-free Bluways ultra capacitors.
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Since its launch last year the exceptionally low-weight 11.7 metre Versa has been proving itself in both the demanding urban environment and on rural operations in several parts of the UK. The model weighs just 7,820 kgs and has the passenger capacity of a 12 metre bus to give it a high revenue earning potential.
Optare says that the lower capital cost and fuel saving potential of such a low-weight model, able to carry up to 44 seated passengers and a total of 62 with standees, is already proving particularly appealing to operators looking for the lowest possible cost per seat in this class of vehicle.
The vehicle on show at last weeks Coach & Bus Live is in the colours of Go North East and was one of 14 currently being delivered to them. Their decision to introduce the 11.7 metre Versa into their fleet followed ten weeks of trials on intensive city centre services during which the vehicle delivered an impressive performance, acclaim from both drivers and passengers, and, crucially, very good fuel returns.
The Go North East vehicle is fitted with 37 fixed Esteban Civic V2 seats and six tip-up seats in the two wheelchair/buggy spaces located on each side of the saloon immediately to the rear of the front wheelboxes. A low step height of 318 mm, which reduces to just 245 mm when the bus is ‘kneeling’ provides easy access for passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair access is by means of robust manual fold-out ramp.
Power is from a six-cylinder Cummins ISBe engine delivering 150 kW (201 bhp) at 2500 rpm and 700 Nm of torque and which meets the Euro 5 EEV standard. This is matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic transmission with lock-up convertor to aid fuel efficiency, which is also enhanced by a Klam electro-magnetic retarder actuated automatically through the brake pedal.
Go North East has set a high specification for their new Versas with driver comfort receiving particular attention. A Chapman MK250 driver’s seat has been specified, which incorporates a head rest and lumbar support and the driver’s compartment has Denso air conditioning and a full protection screen.
Optare believes that Versa sets the standard for style with its aerodynamic swept-back appearance.
The curved single-glazed side windows are bonded to the vehicle frame and are tinted for passenger comfort in high temperatures. Modular front and rear panels are in GRP for easier and low cost replacement.
Beneath this stylish exterior is an all-welded heavy-duty box section integral construction based on a combination of stainless and high-grade carbon steel for durability. Also contributing to a long life is anti-rust protection applied to exposed structural components and an underseal treatment using the Dinol process.
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With over 100 of their hybrid models operating in Greater Manchester alone and many more elsewhere around the country, Optare is now established as a leading innovator in this low carbon technology.
The company’s pre-eminent position in single-deck hybrids in the UK market was demonstrated on its stand at last weeks Coach & Bus Live in the form of a 9.2 metre Solo SR hybrid.
The bus was one of ten entering service with fast-growing independent MCT on routes across central and south Manchester under contracts awarded by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The bus on display was to a comprehensive specification in line with TfGM requirements. This includes a seven camera CCTV system by Actia, along with a telematics package and Mobitec LED destination equipment.
Seating capacity is 31 on Esteban Civic V2 seats trimmed in a moquette specially designed for MCT. With its kneeling capability, book-leaf wheelchair ramp and ample space for wheelchairs or buggies the Solo SR meets all current and known future DDA requirements.
A 4.25 litre Euro 5 compliant Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine delivering 130 kW (154 bhp) provides the diesel power to charge the ultra capacitors in which electricity is stored. The electrical system comprises twin motors by Siemens which have a 134 kW maximum rated power output at 320 Nm of torque and which are connected to a Flender summation gearbox to deliver smooth and near silent power transmission to the driving wheels.
The drive motors and generator receive their power from three roof-mounted Siemens inverters. Adjacent to these is a reactor box to control the rate of charge to the brake resistors and ultra capacitors. Maintenance-free Bluways ultra capacitors are also mounted on the roof and have a capacity of 700 volts, 0.5 kWh.
The engine, drive motors, summation gearbox, cooling and induction system are all contained within a demountable frame for rapid removal and easier servicing. Services are fitted with no-loss couplings to prevent spillages during removal.
Apart from the roof pod, in all other structural respects the Solo SR hybrid is the same as an equivalent diesel-powered model. The integral frame uses materials for both strength and long-life and the modular design of the exterior panels supports fast and low cost replacement should accident damage occur.
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Optare, the British manufacturing company that is pioneering the introduction of fully integral low-floor battery-powered buses in the UK and Europe, will be providing visitors to LCV2013 with the opportunity to experience one of its award-winning electric vehicles.
A 9.25 metre Optare Solo EV with seating for 31 and a total passenger capacity of 45 with standees, will be taking visitors on circuits of the test track at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
To book their EV experience, visitors to the two-day event, which is organised by Cenex, the Centre of Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, can simply go to the Optare stand SP-09 in the outdoor display area.
Along with the company’s larger Versa EV model, the Solo EV is already carving out a niche for this type of vehicle with buses in service in Durham, Nottingham, Coventry, Poundbury in Dorset, and at Heathrow Airport. Positive trials have taken place in many parts of the UK resulting in significant orders throughout the country and Optare is about to deliver the first full-size battery-powered bus to enter service in Scotland. Exports have also commenced with a recent delivery to Switzerland and an order in the pipeline for Holland due to be fulfilled by mid December.
Both the Solo and Versa EV models are powered by a Magtec P144 electric motor delivering 150kW of power and 2380 Nm of torque at 2650 rpm, giving them swift and smooth acceleration and excellent hill climbing capabilities, as proven in service. A maximum speed of 95 kph (59 mph) can be comfortably achieved to ensure inconspicuous traffic compatibility.
The Magtec motor derives its energy from 52 lithium iron magnesium phosphate batteries of 12.8 volt/138 Ah (Rev 2) capacity. These maintenance free batteries provide a total of 333 volts DC nominal x 2 in parallel. They are arranged in two equal packs of 26 batteries that are located each side of the engine compartment at the rear of the bus, in the same space as occupied by the powertrain of a conventional diesel-engined Optare bus.
This driveline provides the Optare Solo EV with a forecast daily range of approximately 110 to 150 km on a single charge dependent on the duty cycle. This can, however, be significantly increased through the use of fast-charging technology on the bus, linked to charging points at the depot or at suitable points on the route, such as bus termini.
Normal charging is by means of two 7.5 kW integrated on-board chargers connected to a standard commercial three phase supply and which enables a full charge from zero, to be achieved in approximately six hours. The optional 50kW off-board charger is an alternative to provide fast-charging in around two hours, or opportunity charging as required. An induction charging system option will be introduced later this year.
The drive motors, summation gearbox, chargers and battery packs are contained within a demountable frame, which enables rapid removal and uses ‘no loss’ couplings for fluid lines.
In line with the entire Optare bus range, the Solo EV features the EcoDrive™ driver’s instrument panel as standard. This has a large TFT screen which provides the driver with direct feedback on his or her driving behaviour, monitoring acceleration, deceleration, cornering, and fuel economy, and also delivers a ‘driver’s skill’ score. The display also shows the battery charge level together with all normal vehicle functions.
In structural respects the Solo EV is the same as a standard diesel-engined equivalent. It features all welded heavy-duty box section integral construction using a combination of stainless and high-grade carbon steel, backed up with an anti-rust protection system to ensure a long life. A combination of GFRP and aluminium modular exterior panels keep weight low and facilitates easier, cost effective repair or replacement.
Passenger ride comfort is assured by full air suspension with a ‘kneeling’ capability on the front axle that reduces the entrance step height from 265mm (10.5 inches) to just 200mm (8.0 inches) when the air bags are exhausted. A manual fold-out ramp makes access easier and safer for passengers with reduced mobility, in wheelchairs or with baby buggies.
At its showcase assembly plant in Yorkshire, Optare produces a range of vehicles that have positioned it as the pre-eminent manufacturer of low carbon vehicles in the UK. These range from conventional diesel-powered models, which deliver class-leading fuel efficiency as a result of their low weight and optimised driveline matching, through to alternative fuelled vehicles, diesel-electric hybrid vehicles and full electric buses.
Providing an interesting comparison with the Solo EV at LCV 13 is an equivalent diesel-powered Solo SR model, which will be on static display. This 9.0 metre bus can carry up to 29 passengers seated on Esteban Civic V3 seats and up to 21 standees. Power is from the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA diesel engine, renowned for its fuel efficiency and which is matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic gearbox.
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Optare has completed delivery of the largest ever bus order placed by fast-growing North East independent Perryman’s Buses, with the handover of 12 of its Versa model to the family-run firm.
Director Richard Perryman received the 11.7 metre Versas from Optare Sales Director John Horn at a ceremony at the company’s new Borders Depot.
Also present was Operations Manager Roddy Perryman who said that Optare’s impressive on-time delivery of the Versas meant that they could go immediately into service on new contracts awarded by the Scottish Borders Council serving rural communities across the Central Borders, Midlothian and Northumberland.
He commented: “What an unforgettable Summer! From being awarded the contract at the beginning of June we had a real challenge on our hands. We had to set up a Central Borders depot, recruit a team of staff, and provide the public with a fleet of buses that were modern, comfortable and reliable. As well as me and my father Richard, my mother Linda, also a director of the company, played a central role in making all of this happen.
“And with Optare delivering the first eight vehicles on time we were able to commence a full service on the designated contract start date of 12th August! As soon as they entered service the positive feedback from our customers and staff came flooding in and to say they’re happy with their new buses is an understatement!”
In just ten weeks from the contract being awarded the company found a site at St Boswells on the A68 in the heart of the Borders at which to set up its new depot and a total of 27 new employees were taken on. At the beginning of June it placed the order with Optare for the high specification Versas, which feature leather trimmed seats, wood-effect floor covering, a nine camera CCTV system from Transport Technology Solutions, Telit in-cab communications system supplied by Cellular Solutions, and Mobitec ‘next stop’ audio-visual announcement equipment.
Speaking at the handover event, Optare Sales Director, John Horn, said: “I’m delighted that our low weight 11.7 metre Versa has been chosen by Perryman’s for these new contracts. The model is very well suited to the operating conditions in the Borders and I have no doubt that it will provide comfortable travel conditions for local people using these services.
“Once again the proven reliability and fuel efficiency of Versa have been key factors in the decision to choose this model from amongst the several makes that Perryman’s evaluated.”
Power is from the six-cylinder Cummins ISBe engine rated at 201 bhp (150 kW). The engine is matched to a five-speed Allison automatic transmission that features a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency. A Klam electro-magnetic retarder automatically actuated through the brake pedal is also fitted as standard providing smoother retardation and contributing to better fuel consumption and reduced brake wear.
Another major factor in enhancing the fuel efficiency is the Optare EcoDrive dashboard, which constantly monitors how the bus is being driven and provided real time feedback to the driver. This feature is a standard fitment on all Optare products and Perryman’s has considerable experience of it. Roddy Perryman says he has no doubt that it assists drivers in adopting improved driving habits to deliver optimum fuel economy and a safer, more comfortable passenger travelling experience.
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Following extensive trials of Optare’s 11.7 metre low-weight Versa, and good experience over many years with their Solo model, Go North East has ordered more new vehicles from the Yorkshire bus builder.
Optare is to supply Versa and Solo SR vehicles for use on services in Tyne & Wear and County Durham in an investment of £3.5million by the North East’s largest bus operator. Versa deliveries will commence in October with the Solos to follow in November.
A key factor in Go North East’s decision to order the 11.7 metre Versa was its successful operation during an extended trial of the model over a ten week period earlier this year. The test vehicle was put through its paces on some of the most demanding and intensive city centre services, with high passenger loadings and numerous hills. What particularly impressed them was the exceptional fuel efficiency achieved in these extremely testing conditions.
As with earlier Versas supplied to this customer, the new 11.7 models are powered by the Cummins ISBe engine to the Euro 5 EEV standard, which will deliver cleaner emissions in the city centre operating environment. This six-cylinder engine delivers 150 kW (201 bhp) at 2500 rpm and 700 Nm of torque, giving it a good level of performance for the tough route conditions without compromising on fuel efficiency.
Go North East has set a high specification for their new Versas with driver comfort receiving particular attention. A Chapman MK250 driver’s seat has been specified, which incorporates a head rest and lumbar support and the driver’s compartment is to have Denso air conditioning and a full protection screen.
The 12 Solo SR models are the 9.0 metre version powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine. This well proven four-cylinder engine delivers 154 bhp (115 kW) of power and 610 Nm of torque and, like the Versas, is matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic transmission.
Passengers on both the Versas and the Solo SRs will be seated on Esteban Civic V2 seats. The Versas are to be fitted with 37 fixed seats plus six tip-ups, three each in the wheelchair and buggy spaces located on each side of the saloon immediately to the rear of the front wheelboxes. Inclusive of standees, the Versas are capable of achieving a total carrying capacity of up to 62. The Solos will carry up to 49 passengers and have 23 fixed seats with three tip-ups in each of the wheelchair and buggy bays. In the case of both models, safe and easy access for passengers in wheelchairs and mothers with buggies will be provided by an easy to use fold-out manual ramp.
Chris Wise, Commercial Director at Optare, says that he is delighted that Go North East has again chosen both the Versa and Solo SR models of which approaching 90 have been delivered to the Go North East fleet over recent years.
“It’s particularly rewarding to win this business off the back of very extensive testing of the 11.7 metre Versa model in very demanding operating conditions and against a background of good experience not only from these trials but also from over two years of operating Versa and even longer with Solo.
“The exceptional fuel efficiency that the 11.7 metre Versa delivered during the trials is a direct result of the low weight of the bus, which unladen is just 7,820 kilos and the Solo has long enjoyed a well deserved reputation for fuel economy.
“Combining the low weight with good driveline matching and the use of our unique Optare Eco Drive dashboard makes both models the most economical buses of their size on the market.”
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Significant savings in operating costs are expected to be made from an 11.7 metre Optare Versa that has just joined the fleet of New Zealand operator, Reesby Buses.
According to owner Dave Reesby this is because of the low weight of the model, which has been proven to return class leading fuel efficiency and also particularly suits the New Zealand road tax regime.
“With a gross weight of only 12 tonnes for a 44 seater city bus, compared with around 14 tonnes for all other makes operating in the country, the 11.7 metre Versa attracts a saving of 13 cents per kilometre in Government imposed road user charges,” he explains.
“We’re currently evaluating the performance and operating costs of the Versa by using it on transfers of conference delegates in and around Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, which is a major conference centre and also the location of our main base,” he adds.
“Shortly it will be going on to a rural service between Katikati and Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty involving a one way trip of 60 kilometres, which it will make six times a day, so the 13 cents per kilometre savings will soon add up!
“It will replace a 10.4 metre Versa on the route. The Versa, of which we already have two, has had great acceptance from the public leading to increased passenger numbers and a need for more capacity. ”
The remarkably low unladen weight of the 11.7 metre Versa, at just 7,820kg, also contributes to the exceptional fuel efficiency of the model. Reesby Buses have opted for the six-cylinder Cummins ISBe engine to cope more easily with the hilly terrain in which it will run without compromising fuel economy.
This 6.7 litre Euro 5 engine delivers 201 bhp (150 kW) at 2300 rpm and 750 Nm of torque and is matched to an Allison five-speed automatic transmission with lock-up convertor for increased fuel efficiency. An electro-magnetic retarder, automatically activated through the brake pedal, provides additional braking inputs on descents, which helps both to reduce wear on the service brakes and improve fuel consumption.
The new bus has seating for 44 passengers on Esteban Civic V3 seats, including three tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy space. The seats are leather trimmed and have headrests in two-tone blue. A further 17 standing passengers can also be carried, resulting in an impressive overall capacity of 61.
Mobitec LED destination equipment has been specified to the front side and rear, and the exterior is finished in a classy metallic silver and blue paint scheme.
Editors Note: Reesby Buses was formed by Dave Reesby in the early 1970s on the basis of contracts to transport children to school and workers to a large hydro-electric construction project. Today the company specialises in national, urban and tourism transport and is five star rated under the New Zealand Transport Agency rating system. It operates from headquarters in Rotorua and depots in Auckland and Christchurch.
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Yorkshire based bus maker Optare PLC announces that is has received a conditional offer of funds from the fourth round of the government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) which could be worth up to £1.5 million.
The RGF is provided through the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) to support projects and programmes to create economic growth and sustain private sector employment. Optare is one of 102 companies and intermediaries that have been selected to receive a conditional offer and which were whittled down from a list of 309 applications.
In recent years Optare has emerged as an innovator in the public transport sector through its development of ‘green’ technologies including alternative fuelled vehicles and all-electric buses. If the funding is received it will be used to continue its pioneering work in this area in which it has a market-leading position.
Commenting on the conditional offer, Glenn Saint, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have received this conditional offer of funds which is directly linked to our programme of developing new products for export markets.
“The funding, if received, will assist in our export sales drive through boosting our research and development capabilities, and is likely to lead to more jobs at our Sherburn plant and increased overall security for the business.
“ We’ve been very clear that our strategy is to use our market leading technology as a base for new products aimed at export markets in Europe and further afield. With the support of the global marketing resources of our parent company, Ashok Leyland, we can grow our export penetration thus lessening our dependence on the highly competitive British bus market.”
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Optare is moving into the Australian bus market with the exclusive appointment of a new dealer and plans for demonstration vehicles to be available in the near future.
The dealer, Avia Oceania, is based in Dandenong, a suburb of Melbourne, and is the Avia truck dealer for Australia. Avia is a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, Optare’s major shareholder, and the appointment directly stems from that relationship.
Initially they will offer Optare’s Tempo SR and Solo SR single-deck models. These stylish integral buses are expected to prove appealing to Australian operators because of their low-weight, leading to exceptional fuel efficiency.
Glenn Saint, Optare Deputy CEO, comments: “The Australian bus market is substantial with an estimated 88,000 buses registered in the country and has shown consistent growth over the past few years. The structure of the market also lends itself to our products with a large proportion, some 60 per cent, being small buses of the type for which Optare is renowned through its award-winning Solo range.
“We’ll also be looking at the high density urban sector with our Tempo model, which is available in three body lengths of 10.6, 11.3 and 12.0 metres and with standard seating capacities ranging from 35 to 43. The 12 metre SR model weighs in at just 9650kg giving it the potential to carry up to 85 passengers.
“The appointment of Avia Oceania as our exclusive representative in Australia is a great example of the benefits we are gaining from our relationship with Ashok Leyland. As one of the world’s top five bus manufacturers it is able to support us in a number of ways to open up new markets and we are excited at the prospects of doing business in Australia through Avia Oceania.”
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