K-Bus delivers lightweight electric buses to Italy

Austrian manufacturer K-Bus GmbH has delivered ten fully electric low-floor buses to Italy for urban operations in Catania. The vehicles, designated E-Solar City XL, are based on Mercedes-Benz technology and offer up to 200 kilometres between charges.

Specifically, the small electric bus is based on technology used in the Mercedes-Benz EQV or eVito and features a 150 kW motor paired with a 100 kWh battery. Their low-floor design ensures barrier-free access, while up to 17 seats plus a wheelchair space allow each bus to carry around 30 passengers. It is equipped with CCS and, according to the data sheet, can charge up to 100 kilometres in one hour.

The electric bus is also available as the E-Solar City L, based on the Toyota ProAce and equipped with a 75 kWh battery, and the E-Solar City Light. The latter is based on the electric Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It has a 55 kWh battery, a range of 120 kilometres, and room for up to 16 passengers.

K-Bus has a history of developing alternative drive systems. In 2017, the company presented a low-floor minibus with a solar range extender based on the Nissan e-NV200. At the time, the vehicle was available in two variants: 3.5 tonnes for nine passengers (including a wheelchair space), and 4.2 tonnes for up to 23 passengers. A first prototype was delivered to Stadtwerke Göttingen in central Germany in 2017.

Today, it is sold as the Airport Elektro nd features a 48 kWh battery (including the solar range extender). It now also has room for up to 32 people.

presseportal.ch, k-bus.at (specs; In German)