Production of first Hungarian electric bus launched
Within the scopes of the Jedlik Ányos Plan, the Hungarian government is supporting electricity-powered transport and the exportability of Hungarian products, said Béla Glattfelder, State Secretary of the Ministry for National Economy responsible for economic management at a press conference held on Monday, showcasing the first production electric bus manufactured in Hungary.
At the event Hungary-based Evopro unveiled its first, composite-body electric bus, the Modulo.
Evopro president Csaba Mészáros said that the first prototype has received the road legal certificate, and the production of a first batch of 25 vehicles has been launched as well.
Mészáros did not disclose any information regarding the price of the vehicle but he said that on the global market a similar bus would cost somewhere between 400,000 and 500,000 euros.
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When asked about where he would like to see the buses operating, the State Secretary said that the Buda Castle would be an ideal location to show off the vehicle's capabilities. "The purchasing and operation are the tasks of the local government," Glattfelder said, adding that the references for such vehicles should be created in Hungary.
Glattfelder said that the bus showcased at the event is capable of transporting up to 64 people. The battery-powered electric bus consumes 60kW/h energy in 100 kilometres, which equals to the energy consumption of an Opel Astra.
The State Secretary added that today, a gallon of oil costs USD 110, but analysts are expecting it to double in ten years. Electricity, however, can be generated from other sources, such as nuclear power.
Evopro developed the electric bus with a EUR 400,000 EU support. The vehicle features a lightweight composite body, which weighs 2 tons less than structures made from traditional materials. The composite material does not corrode and the company provides a 30-year warranty for the body.
The bus features various modules, and there are different powertrains available, ranging from all-electric to variants with additional diesel and gas-powered engines and a trolley version as well.
