Tata Motors has won an order for supplying 10 CNG Series Hybrid low-floor city buses from EMT Madrid, a Madrid city public transportation company. The buses will be delivered in 2012. For a series hybrid vehicle, the engine is not connected to the driveline. Instead it just runs a generator which charges the battery pack at a steady power. The battery pack provides electrical energy to the motor which in turn generates tractive power. Besides, the engine operates on a constant speed, constant load mode, maximising engine efficiency irrespective of large variation in vehicle speed and frequent stops and starts.
The low-floor bus (floor height: 350 mm) is equipped with heater, air-conditioner, wheel chair, baby seat, space for luggage, security cameras, WIFI, electrical ramp, ticketing machine, reverse camera, electronic display board, electrically operated in-swing and out-swing doors and kneeling facility allowing easy entry and exit, reducing halt time and trip lengths. Electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) and electronic braking provide excellent ride quality, handling and passenger comfort. With high starting and smooth acceleration, and a maximum speed of 70kmph. The vehicle chassis is capable of being integrated with pure electric mode, CNG micro turbine and hydrogen fuel cell in the future.
