Quantron Launches 12-M Battery-Electric Bus; Fuel-Cell Variant to Follow

March 14, 2022

John Kendall

New European bus manufacturer Quantron has launched its first product, the Cizaris, a 12-meter (39.4-ft) long electrically powered bus. The German company was launched in 2019 as a spin-off from Haller, a company that has specialized in the distribution, repair and service of commercial vehicles, buses and RVs. First to market later this year will be the Cizaris 12 EV featuring battery-electric drive. This bus will be followed by a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered variant, the Cizaris 12 H in 2023. Both will be low-floor city buses. Quantron will offer two- and three-door variants and customers will have a choice of nine interior layouts.

Quantron is working in partnership with Chinese manufacturer EV Dynamics to produce the Cizaris. The design features temperature-controlled lithium iron phosphate (LFP) roof-mounted battery packs produced by CATL, with up to six in the front section and up to six in the rear section, depending on customer requirements. This will provide 242 kW/h, 281 kW/h, 363 kW/h or 424 kW/h of battery capacity.

Quantron claims that with a direct current (DC) power source of between 65 and 150 kW, the batteries could be recharged in two to five hours. Measured on the medium-heavy eSORT 2 cycle, this should provide a range of between 220 to 370 km (137 to 230 miles), with a charging stroke (depth of discharge, or DoD) of 10%. Range data is not yet available for the hydrogen fuel cell Cizaris 12 H variant. The CCS combo charging socket can be mounted on the right, left or rear of the vehicle, as required.

The bus is powered by a Dana TM4 vehicle-mounted permanent synchronous motor (PSM), mounted centrally. Quantron quotes a power output of 145 kW/245 kW nominal/maximum (194 hp/329 hp) and maximum torque output of 1,055 Nm/3,329 Nm (778 lb ft/2,455 lb ft). Quantron promises greater power from the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The company claims that the centrally mounted motor does not add to unsprung mass like an electric portal axle and is less exposed to vibration, contributing to a longer service life than such axle-mounted motors.

Adapted e-bus platform

The Cizaris is based on an electric bus platform that is already widely used but differs in that both the drivetrain and the rear sections are new designs. The roof also is completely new and has been designed to accommodate either the battery packs or hydrogen tanks for the fuel cell variant. Two-door models will be offered with four seating configurations, while three-door variants will have a choice of five. This will provide seating for between 24 and 35 passengers, with total capacity of between 81 and 95 passengers, depending on the battery package adopted.

A 33-kW Valeo heat pump and air-conditioning unit controls the temperature on board, while the heating capacity can be stepped up to 50 kW using a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) system to regulate heat output, while effectively reducing energy consumption. Options include anti-viral filtration and a closed driver’s cab. A perforated aluminum ceiling provides indirect side lighting with additional LED lights mounted in it. The LED lighting colors can be changed.

Driver controls include a large monitor for the rearview camera and other functions. Regenerative braking is controlled by a lever to the right of the steering wheel and offers three stages of retardation. A digital instrument pack is standard, provided by Actia. High-resolution camera mirror monitors are mounted in front of the A-pillars. The vehicle can be specified with a separate nose observation camera, paired with a large monitor above the cockpit.

Temperature and gas sensors in the rear compartment, battery modules and other high-voltage components provide fire protection. The front axle is equipped with a central lubrication system to optimize service life. Quantron will offer a two-year warranty for the entire vehicle with an eight-year/3,000 charge cycle/80% charge capacity warranty, whichever comes first for the batteries. The company can offer battery recycling options at the end of their life. An FMS 4.0 interface will provide on-board connectivity. Quantron is also investigating the use of its CAPTE or VinCity partner telematics system to download bus data remotely.

Cizaris 12 EV Specifications

Length/width/height: 12.18 m/2.55 m/3.45 m (40 ft/8.4 ft/11.3 ft)

Wheelbase: 5.90 m/19.4 ft

Overhang front: 2.80 m/9.2 ft

Overhang rear: 3.45 m/11.3 ft

Turning circle: 22.92 m/75.2 ft

Motor: Dana TM4 SUMO MD HV3000 6P PSM

Power (nominal/maximum): 145 kW/245 kW (194 hp/329 hp).

Torque (nominal/maximum): 1,055 Nm/3,329 Nm (778 lbft/2,455 lbft)

Batteries: Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) roof-mounted

Capacity: 242-kW/h, 281-kW/h, 363-kW/h or 424-kW/h

Charging time with 65 to 150 kW (DC) power supply: Two to five hours

Vehicle range eSORT2: 220 to 370 km (137-230 mi.)

Chassis:

Front axle: Dana comfort rigid axle with stabilizer, max load 7.5 tonnes (16,535 lb)

Rear axle: Dana hypoid with stabilizer, max load 11.5 tonnes (25,353 lb)

Tires: 275/70 R 22.5 with aluminum rims

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