New all-electric bus from Turkish conglomerate BMC


BMC is launching a new all-electric, low-floor city bus called 12 M Elektrikli, part of the Procity series.
It is distinguished from the other models in the series not only by a completely different design, but also, understandably, by a completely different construction.
This is not a simple electrification of the base 12-meter Procity model, but a vehicle created with the specifics of all-electric solutions in mind.
Visually, the bus has an extremely modern appearance, highlighted by numerous diagonal lines on the front wall, sides and rear.
Large glass areas add lightness, and the batteries located on the roof are covered by side panels, which are a natural extension of the vehicle’s walls.
While on the sides and rear these elements are vertical, on the front they have a diagonal, slightly curved shape.
However, more important than the visual aspects are the technological issues that affect vehicle life and total cost of ownership (TCO). In this regard, BMC has relied on a combination of indigenous Turkish solutions and imported components.
As a result, most of the hardware and electrical systems are supplied by the domestic company Aselsan, which is also linked to the defense sector, guaranteeing high quality and durability. For example, the motor and batteries come from Aselsan. ASELSAN’s HSVM-287 motor is an asynchronous permanent magnet unit with a maximum output of 250 kW and a maximum torque of 2,700 Nm. Aselsan’s LTO batteries have a capacity of 111.6 kWh (4 x 27.9 kWh) and a standard voltage of 607 V.
The front axle is an independently suspended, proven ZF axle with a rated load capacity of 7,500 kg.
The rear axle is a portal drive axle also made by ZF, with a rated load capacity of 12,500 kg.
The front axle suspension includes two air bellows and telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear axle suspension includes four air bellows and four telescopic shock absorbers.
In addition, there is an electronic ECAS air suspension height adjustment system with a kneeling function on the right side, making it easier and faster for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle.
275/70R 22.5 tires were mounted on 8.25 x 22.5 rims – single at the front, double at the rear.
The chassis has a monocoque design with a full low floor.
The extensive on-board 24-volt electrical system includes hardware, 2 x 12-volt / 240 Ah batteries and a 7.5 kW DC/DC converter.
The steering system uses a hydraulic power-assisted transmission.
The dual-circuit braking system with disc brakes is equipped with EBS/ASR and ESC systems.
The traditional retarder has been replaced by regenerative braking, during which the electric motor acts as a generator, activated by the brake pedal or an adjustable lever.
Standard equipment includes, among others.: heater, air conditioning, manual folding ramp for disabled or wheelchair users, automatic fire detection system, electrically heated side mirrors, LED interior lighting, line indicator and marker lights also with LED technology, insulated driver’s cab, digital instrument panel, engine cooling system with hydrostatic fan under the engine protection hood, VDV-compliant driver’s workspace, pantograph charging, front fog lights, convector heater, defroster, and adjustable steering wheel (DWP) integrated with the instrument panel.
Optional equipment includes security cameras and recording system, LCD monitors, passenger counting system, central lubrication system, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), USB chargers, on-board passenger information system, Ram mirrors, parking sensor, full power doors, electrically operated handicapped ramp, camera observation system and other additional options according to customer preferences.
The basic dimensions and weights of the bus are: wheelbase 5850 mm, maximum length 12,090 mm, maximum width 2550 mm, maximum height 3320 mm, interior height 2370 mm, front overhang 2840 mm, rear overhang 3400 mm, front track width 2096 mm, rear track width 1832 mm, entry height 340 mm, interior width 2410 mm.
The vehicle can accommodate 97 people, including 31 seated and 66 standing.
Production and deliveries of this model are expected to begin next year.
Wojciech Traczuk of Autobags Poland notes, “This is an interesting new product.
We want to present it – naturally – to Polish customers as well.
I believe it optimally combines costs with the ability to generate revenue thanks to its high passenger capacity.
This is certainly one of its main assets, along with high-quality components and manufacturing technologies.
This translates into a relatively low TCO and a very favorable revenue-to-cost ratio.
I think BMC is defending itself here.
In addition, we offer adequate after-sales support, helping to prepare the base and adjust the necessary infrastructure.
We conclude that the ‘one-stop-shop’ approach, i.e. buying from one source and in one place, not only gives a certain competitive advantage, but in the current conditions is even an absolute requirement from customers.”

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