NEBUS: FUEL CELL CARS AS THE MODEL FOR FUTURE MODES OF TRANSPORT

This article describes Daimler-Benz's hydrogen-powered NEBUS (New Electric Bus), announced in May 1997, which emits no pollutants, only water vapour. It is also very quiet, so that it is a true ecological bus. Its ten stacks of 150 fuel cells each provide a total output of about 250kW at 720v. The cells have a low operating temperature, around 80 degrees C, and use relatively inexpensive materials. They power themselves, the wheel-hub motors, and other proven components. Seven aluminium tanks on the roof, each reinforced by glass fibres, store the hydrogen gas, pressurised to 300bar, which operates the fuel cells. The bus is about 2.5t heavier than a bus with gas motor and about 3.5t heavier than a diesel bus. Because of its high centre of gravity, it has a suspension using special shock absorbers to provide driving comfort and safety. Its braking system also has several safety features. The bus has a low floor, with stepless entry points only 320-340mm above the ground, which are made possible by the electric wheel-hub drive. It is 12m long, 2.5m wide, and 3.5m high, and can seat up to 42 people. Experience has shown that it would be very suitable for trial practical operation, and could actually be used in service. Intensive work is being done to reduce its weight. Several communities have expressed interest in buying it.

• Corporate Authors:

  MARK 2 MEDIA LTD

  38 CAREW COURT, BASINGHALL GARDENS
  SUTTON, SURREY  United Kingdom  CR0 1SY
• Authors:
  • Mock, H
  • KRAUSS, R
• Publication Date: 1998-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 17-9
• Serial:
  • ISATA MAGAZINE
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: MARK 2 MEDIA LTD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Braking; Buses; Design; Electric batteries; Electric vehicles; Environmental protection; Hydrogen; Low floor vehicles; Safety; Suspension systems; Weight
• ITRD Terms: 5405: Acceleration; 1315: Battery; 1874: Braking; 9011: Design (overall design); 1282: Electric vehicle; 2444: Environment protection; 7187: Hydrogen; 1285: Low floor vehicle; 1665: Safety; 1329: Suspension (veh); 5485: Weight
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Environment; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00754219
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Oct 27 1998 12:00AM