CaetanoBus unveils new electric buses with CATL batteries and CRRC drive systems

CaetanoBus launched a new generation of electric buses in 8.5, 12, and 18-metre variants. All three sizes are available with a battery-electric drive, while the 12- and 18-metre models are also offered as hydrogen-powered vehicles. The key drivetrain components now include new suppliers.

The Portuguese manufacturer expanded its urban bus portfolio and revised its powertrain configurations. For the first time, all zero-emission buses in the new generation will be equipped with LFP batteries from CATL, replacing the previously standard NMC cells. Additionally, CaetanoBus is switching from Siemens to a CRRC motor for its battery-electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV) buses. However, the hydrogen components in the H2 City Gold model will continue to come from Toyota.

CaetanoBus has received numerous orders for hydrogen buses and describes itself as a pioneer in hydrogen drivetrain integration. Battery-electric orders also continue to be placed, including for the e.City Gold from Lisbon.

With the new generation, the company is transitioning to alternative drivetrain suppliers. The BEV models will now use CATL’s so-called BC5 battery system, offering up to 465 kWh for the 12-metre variant, up to 700 kWh for the 18-metre version, and up to 266 kWh for the 8.5-metre buses.

CATL’s BC5 system features LFP cells designed for durability. CaetanoBus claims that “these batteries support ultra-long cycle life exceeding 4,000 charge cycles, with minimal degradation over time, ensuring reliable performance over more than a decade of operation.”

The new drivetrain will be supplied by CRRC, utilising a 6-in-1 system that integrates the motor with other performance components and controls into a single unit. CaetanoBus states this highly integrated approach will make the system up to 70% lighter. The solution is based, in part, on CRRC’s high-voltage IGBT technology and direct liquid cooling.

For the hydrogen buses, Toyota’s fuel cell technology remains the core of the powertrain. The latest generation features the Toyota 2.5 stack with 70 kW output. This is now combined with a CRRC drivetrain and CATL battery packs—up to 130 kWh in the 12-metre model and up to 170 kWh in the 18-metre bus.

CaetanoBus has also confirmed that the 18-metre model will be available in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) configuration, featuring doors on both sides, among other specifications.

Nuno Lago de Carvalho, CCO and Executive Committee member at CaetanoBus said: “Through the joint development efforts of CaetanoBus and CRRC, combined with rigorous software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing, the new generation of CAETANO buses represents the forefront of e-mobility engineering.” He added: “We are equally proud of our ability to scale this innovation across the entire CAETANO product range, from 8.5m to 18m buses, using a common platform that supports both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. This unified approach ensures maximum flexibility, efficiency, and the seamless integration of cutting-edge systems across all vehicle configurations”.

CaetanoBus is part of Toyota Caetano Portugal and Mitsui & Co. and has been co-branding with Toyota since 2021. The brand is best known for its urban and airport buses. In collaboration with Temsa, CaetanoBus also plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered coach in the near future.

Source: Information per e-mail; sustainable-bus.com