Hess acquires Kiepe’s trolleybus technology division
Until now, Kiepe Electric has supplied a range of components for trolleybuses, also known as trackless trams or road trams, including drives, traction inverters, battery and power supply systems. Among these was the semi-automatic current collector system KSC 200, which, in addition to purely vertical wire engagement, enables lateral engagement and reduces the workload for drivers. Thanks to its plug-and-play design, the KSC 200 can be integrated into both new vehicles and existing fleets as part of modernisation projects.
The KSC 200 also supports in-motion charging, allowing the charging of additional batteries while driving. This technology is ideal for developing new routes, so that new parts of a route without overhead wires can be powered in battery mode. For example, in Nancy, France, a new route was inaugurated last year using battery-trolleybuses from Hess whereby the nearly ten-kilometre route now operates approximately 62 per cent under overhead wires and 38 per cent in battery mode.
At Busworld in Brussels last October, Kiepe also introduced a trolleybus upgrade package to convert existing battery-electric buses into trolleybuses. Two additional components—the Kiepe Isolating Converter (KIC) and the Kiepe Smart Currentcollector (KSC)—create the connection between battery and overhead wire technology.
While Kiepe Electric has officially confirmed the deal, it remains unclear whether all the aforementioned solutions are included, as neither Kiepe Electric nor Hess has provided a more detailed statement about the transaction. The company assures that support for existing customers will continue without interruption. Previous contact personnel will remain available, while the Italian subsidiary of Carrosserie Hess AG will act as an authorised service partner, providing technical support for existing trolleybus fleets in Italy.
Hess and Kiepe have a history of collaborating on technology. Since 1997, Kiepe has been the technology supplier for Hess’s Swisstrolley O-bus series. The trolleybus versions of the lighTram series are also equipped with Kiepe technology.
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