Series production of the e-Kent C from Otokar with Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) started. VEDS demonstrates maximum efficiency under a wide range of topographical conditions and deployment scenarios. The new e-Kent C achieves a range of more than 300 kilomete
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY. More and more cities and municipalities focus on CO2-neutral public transport and therefore push the use of battery-electric buses. A particularly efficient offer for emission-free mobility is now provided by the e-Kent C, for which bus manufacturer Otokar relies on the innovative Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS). The vehicle is currently available as a 12-meter solo bus for up to 108 passengers.
The VEDS HD used in the e-Kent C has a continuous output of 310 kW. At peak power, the driver even has 410 kW at his disposal. In the VEDS, the central motor and inverter form a precisely matched package that ensures high power availability and thermal stability. That way the e-Kent C can be relied on at all times, even in challenging applications such as regular hill starts. Complementary VEDS components, such as converters and inverters enable an intelligent energy management that directly provides the energy recovered during recuperation to the auxiliary units or the vehicle’s electrical system instead of charging the batteries independently from the actual of demand.
Philip Bäuerle-Global Communication Manager Voith Turbo
In the preliminary stages of the market launch, Otokar has already tested the vehicle extensively under a wide range of conditions in real-life applications. The result: Thanks to the VEDS, the e-Kent C can fully replace a vehicle with a conventional combustion engine. The system also performed convincingly during rush hours in city traffic and impressed with its low energy consumption and low noise emissions.
At the IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, the e-Kent C was in operation as a shuttle bus between the exhibition grounds and the city center on the “Blue Lane” innovation route. During the trade show it covered more than 1,000 kilometers and transported more than 2,000 visitors. In the coming months, Otokar will now introduce the bus throughout Europe. Operators and further experts will then have the opportunity to examine the vehicle in detail on site and at various events.