Electric Energy Demonstration Bus

Researcher
Dr Martin Smith

Source of Funding
European Commission Article 10 E5, Programme, EST - Power Shift. Industrial Sponsorship from PowerGEN. Leverage contributions from partners, Marmont Benefaction

Duration
3 Years

Collaborators
Brush Traction, CMP, FLT Omni, Leicester City Council, SEV Group, Universal Vehicle Bodies

Aims
To develop a large battery electric bus to carry energy efficiency displays for Leicester Energy, which will additionally act as a test platform for developing relevant technologies. 
To develop and promote advanced electric vehicle technology in the East Midlands (as per A10 objectives)

Background Methods
Leicester City Council required a large electric vehicle to disseminate energy advice throughout the area. Initial investigations found that no suitable vehicle was commercially available and the decision was taken to develop a bus using innovative technology. 

The advanced design envisaged would incorporate a three phase (vector controlled) front wheel drive system and a very high traction voltage of 640V - one of the highest in the world. The project would effectively use technology transfer from the rail and commercial bus industries to develop this state of the art vehicle.

Findings
This programme has made significant progress in the development of vector controlled drive systems overcoming many of the stability problems inherent in advanced electric vehicle drive system design. The use of a very high traction voltage has enhanced vehicle performance and drive system efficiency, whist reducing component costs.
The findings of this work will be published shortly. Additionally, the vehicle was awarded the national Green Fleets innovation award in 1999