Wrightbus equips its second generation of electric buses with Voith Electrical Drive System

BALLYMENA, NORTHERN IRELAND. Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has chosen Voith as its exclusive partner for the supply of the electrical drive system for the second generation of its battery-electric (BEV) and fuel cell (FCEV) buses for Europe. In future, the company will equip all these vehicles with the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) as standard. As early as August 2021, Wrightbus will deliver the first of 80 StreetDeck BEV double-decker buses with VEDS to Translink, the largest bus operator in Northern Ireland, who plans to operate the new double-decker buses in the public transport networks of Belfast and Derry. Before awarding the order, the Ballymena-based bus manufacturer analyzed all electrical drive systems available in Europe. It concluded that the VEDS offered the best operating efficiency. “The limiting factor for battery-powered vehicles is the range, which means the efficiency of the drivetrain is the crucial consideration in day-to-day operation. This applies even more to double-decker buses that only have limited space and a restricted weight capacity for additional batteries,” explains Brian Maybin, Head of Advanced Technology at Wrightbus.

In the VEDS, the main motor and inverter form a specially coordinated package that ensures high power availability and maximum range even in the case of challenging driving patterns. The system is based on a powerful water-cooled permanent magnet motor with a high-efficiency inverter. There is no need for a separate transmission, which has a positive effect on energy consumption, range and noise emissions. At the same time, this principle allows for a compact design. This not only makes for easier installation in the Wrightbus double decks , but when used in continuous barrier-free low-floor buses it also makes the VEDS the perfect drive system for the transition to sustainable mobility. The modular system is available in various power classes and is therefore suitable for all vehicle categories. With a maximum power of 340 kW it is one of the most powerful traction systems for buses on the market.

Thanks to the integrated system approach, all VEDS components are perfectly coordinated with one another, from hardware like the electric motor, traction inverter and high-voltage distributor to the drive control and energy management systems. This facilitates integration into the vehicle and ensures a high level of reliability. It also means that the VEDS can be used flexibly in various platforms. The system supports battery systems from a wide range of manufacturers and is also enabled for use in fuel cell electric vehicle drivetrains.