Electric buses in Brugg: Powered by the sun!
Brugg region is another location in Switzerland that starts utilizing electric buses. We have recently reported about the line 5 in Baden which is a great success so far.
Postauto in Brugg also decided to electrify the bus lines gradually. And they go in even more sustainable way. The charging station in Brugg is equipped with solar panels on the roof. Therefore, part of the electricity is generated from a local renewable source.
Pilot line 361 Brugg-Unterwindisch
On June 10, 2021 PostAuto in Brugg region commissioned its first battery bus line in northwest Switzerland. The Scania E-buses, first series produced electric driven buses, operate on line 361 from Brugg railway station to neighboring Unterwindisch. On weekends, the e-buses also operate on the line 368 Brugg – Schinznach Bad.
Charging infrastructure
The charging station is located at the terminal in Brugg railway station/campus as part of the new bus terminal. On the roof of the bus platforms there is a photovoltaic power plant installed. In the first stage this power from the sun is supplied to the public grid. In the next stage it will be captured in local battery energy storage and then utilized by the charging station. Charging process takes approx. 12 minutes which fits into the bus schedule. Whole power generation and charging infrastructure was built and is operated by IBB which is the key partner of this project.
100% renewable electricity
According to PostAuto, the electricity for all electric buses operated by the company originates from renewable sources in Switzerland. Battery buses are currently operated in Brugg, Sarnen and Saas-Fee.
Short and mid term plans of PostAuto
PostAuto plans to commission 100 buses with alternative drive until 2024 as part of company’s sustainability strategy. This includes battery electric buses and fuel cell buses. Until 2040 the fleet of fossil free buses shall be extended to approx. 2’400 vehicles.
PostAuto is the largest bus operator in Switzerland.
Benefits for the passengers
Battery electric buses in Brugg region bring new quality standards into regional public transport. The buses produce far less noise than conventional diesel engine buses. While driving the bus is exposed to much less vibration, too. The acceleration is smooth without any bumps associated with changing gears. Interior of the new SCANIA buses is very light and modern providing a spaceous feeling.
Technical data of the e-bus
Manufacturer: Scania
Model: Citywide BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
Type: Low-floor electric bus
Bus length: 12 meters
Loading capacity: 6.5 tonnes
Number of seats: 35 to 43 (customized)
Passenger capacity: approx. 100 (customized)
Number of doors: 3
Electric motor:
- Permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM)
- 300 kW max. power
- 5’400 Nm peak torque
- 250 kW continuous power
- 3’400 Nm continuous driving torque
System voltage: 650 V
Gear:
- 2 stage type
- changing gear at 37 km/h
Performance:
- Maximum speed: 85 km/h
- Acceleration: 1.2 ms-2
- Max. slope: 16%
- Braking: regenerative
Charging:
- inverted pantograph (case in Brugg)
- pantograph on the roof
- Max. charging power: 450 kW
Battery technology: Lithium-Ion, 8-10 battery packs
Battery capacity: 250 kWh (standard) / 320 kWh (optional)
Driving range: 120 to 220 km
Consumption: 0.75 – 1.6 kWh/km
This e-bus from SCANIA was introduced at the busworld in 2019. First buses were delivered to customers in 2021. PostAuto belongs one of the worldwide first operators of SCANIA Citywide BEV.
Sucess through local partnership
We are extremely happy to see this electric bus line in Brugg region. The success of the project was only possible through close collaboration of regional partners. The charging station in «Brugg, Bahnhof/Campus» is perfectly situated in the local technology hub in Brugg. The campus of the University of Applied Sciences FHNW Nordwestschweiz is just few meters away. Right next to the bus station is also the cable factory of BRUGG. The company is a leading cable manufacturer with history started in 1896. Portfolio of the company includes products for e-mobility like charging cables or charging plugs (BRUGG eConnect). Moreover, Brugg has a history of pioneering spirit. Few years ago PostAuto was testing here fuel cell based buses and there is a hydrogen production facility planned at the outskirts of the city. The e-mobility in Brugg region has a perfect outlook.
References
[1] Electrifying bus ride through the Swiss city of Baden, https://mb-drive-services.com/electrifying-bus-ride-through-the-swiss-city-of-baden/
[2] Scania homepage, https://www.scania.com
[3] BRUGG eConnect, https://www.bruggeconnect.com/en/en-high-power-charging-systems/
