Moscow-based NPP ITELMA, a developer and manufacturer of vehicle electronics, has introduced a full powertrain system for electric buses. The system will make it possible to convert any modern bus to electric drive, the company said.

The company says its system can reduce EV energy consumption by 25% and increase e-bus range by up to 150 kilometers (93 miles).

The buses can be recharged by pantograph, plug or battery swapping. During a meeting with Moscow Deputy Mayor Maksim Liksutov, NPP ITELMA showed a prototype of an e-bus equipped to enable 5-minute battery swapping at terminal stations using pit-stop mobiles, as well as online monitoring of the batteries.

Liksutov also announced that the first special driver training e-bus had arrived in Moscow. The vehicle features two cabins: one for a driver-mentor, the other for a trainee.

“Earlier, beginners trained on buses and prepared for unforeseen circumstances on a special simulator,” Liksutov said. “Now, our professionals, in addition to the usual exercises, will have a chance to immediately test themselves in the city.”

Source: NPP ITELMA via Green Car Congress