At the UITP Mobility & City Transport trade fair (8 to 10 June 2015), VDL Bus & Coach showed a world premiere. On display for the first time was the VDL Citea SLFA Electric, an electric articulated bus that is 18.1 metres in length and has an innovative, futuristic BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) design.
The Citea SLFA Electric represents an important step in the expansion of VDL Bus & Coach’s electric bus range. Besides having several electric drives, battery packs and charging systems to choose from, so the ideal, optimal combination for any application can be put together, a length variant and a new exterior design have now been added, without affecting accessibility, interior layout or comfort. The VDL Citea SLFA Electric presented at the UITP is the first in a series of 8 buses ordered by the Cologne passenger transport company KVB (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe). This electric articulated bus is fitted with an opportunity charge system.
The VDL Citea SLFA Electric is an electric articulated bus that runs entirely on electricity without any aids. This means that unlike hybrid buses it requires no diesel engine and unlike trolleys it needs no pantograph to continuously supply it with power. The VDL Citea SLFA Electric admittedly has a pantograph, but it is only used for a brief charge at the end of each run. When the bus makes contact with the charging station at the final stop, the batteries are charged quickly but intensely as required.
The VDL Citea articulated, with its completely flat floor, is ideal for the transport of large numbers of passengers. The low floor construction makes it exceptionally easy to enter the bus and offers optimal access, for travellers with a baby buggy or wheelchair for example. This applies both to the front section of the bus and the section ‘behind the bellows’.
The Citea SLFA Electric is fitted with a fast charge system using a pantograph made by Schunk. The pantograph is positioned on the front carriage above the 2nd axle, so passengers always have free passage near the doors. Charging is done at both final stops. The charging power is 250 kW and charging time is around 5-10 minutes. The batteries are fully charged at night.
