Emphasising on the importance of public transport, Scania presented its new generation buses for city and suburban operations at the expo. With a comprehensive range of alternative fuel-powered drivetrains on offer, the company premiered the Scania Citywide battery-electric bus. Measuring 12.1 m bus in length, 2.55 m in width and 3.3 m in height, the bus has a capacity of more than 100 commuters, and comes in a 2-2-2 door configuration. It is powered by a 300 kW permanent magnetic electric motor that draws power from eight, 250 kWh lithium-ion batteries distributed such that four of them are placed on the roof and the rest four are placed in the rear overhang to lower the centre of gravity. Built for opportunity fast charging through an inverted pantograph (up to 300 kWh), the bus could be also charged through alternating and direct depot charging. With energy usage optimised by using a two-speed gearbox, the bus has a range of 80-150 km. Claimed to maintain a 30 kmph speed even on an eight per cent gradient, the bus has had both its batteries and the powertrain designed inhouse. Apart from the Citywide battery-electric, the bus that drew most attention was the 13 metre Scania Interlink MD in a 55 (53+1+1) and 1-1-0 door configuration. It is powered by the nine-litre Scania in-line five-cylinder LNG/LBG engine. Equipped with a Scania Opticruise transmission, the bus has its emission control taken care off by a three-way Euro6 catalyst. On offer are passenger amenities like a toilet and a wheelchair lift to name a few. Highlighting the NXT modular platform, a new battery-electric self-driving urban concept vehicle, Scania called upon the stakeholders of bus and coach industry to be open to a significant shift in technologies and product orientation. Expecting the NXT modular platform to offer the flexibility of ferrying commuters to and from work in mornings and evenings, to delivering goods during the day and collecting refuse at night, the company announced that it aims to create a pull for its bi-articulated bus, in Latin America for it to be chosen by major BRT systems.
