Van Hool presented its first edition of a completely new range of 100% zero emission buses on the first day of Euro Mobility Expo 2022. The Van Hool A12 Battery Electric is the first vehicle in a completely new range of buses in four different lengths (12m, 13m, 18m and 24m) equipped with exclusively zero emission powertrains: battery-electric, fuel cell (hydrogen) and trolley. Van Hool is ready to provide a response to the ever-growing demand from public transport companies that are focusing on ‘greening’ their fleets. Even before the official announcement of the new A range Van Hool had 13 orders on its books, for a total of 162 buses.
Structural weight savings were achieved through the use of high strength stainless steel, low-weight composite materials and sustainable bonding techniques.
A modular fastening system has been fitted on the self-supporting sandwich roof of the bus for the integration of parts such as batteries, and air conditioning and control systems. Upgrading/updating, any subsequent modifications and replacement with other parts will be easier as a result, therefore guaranteeing a long life of the vehicle.
The interior climate is regulated by a unique system whereby conditioned air comes from a central roof air duct, based on heat pump technology (with water as the condenser) and traction heat recovery, resulting in energy savings compared to a classic heat pump.
To maximise the vehicles’ autonomy, it was crucial to minimise their empty weight. By using finite element calculation techniques on the one hand, and high strength (duplex) types of stainless steel on the other, it was possible to optimise the steel structure of both the chassis and the side frame. The integration of a state-of-the-art lightweight sandwich roof completes the weight optimisation.
