Belgian manufacturer of buses, coaches and industrial vehicles Van Hool has 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 of 12 meters, 13 meters, 18 meters & 24 meters equipped with exclusively zero emission powertrains: battery-electric, fuel cell hydrogen and trolley. With this new A range, the company is building on the knowledge and experience it has gained in the area of eco-friendly buses for public urban and regional transport. 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.In the design and development of the new A range, particular attention was paid to the weight, sustainability and modularity of the buses. Structural weight savings were achieved through the use of high strength stainless steel, low-weight composite materials and sustainable bonding techniques. For this, computer simulation and optimisation techniques were used, combined with more than 75 years’ skill and experience. 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. This way, Van Hool is making an important contribution to the circular economy.The large rear window lets in plenty of natural light. Also at the rear, the newest generation LED lights have been used. The large access hatch in the rear panel provides user-friendly access to the technical section of the bus. Large side windows enhance the amount of natural light coming into the bus, contributing to a bright interior. The buses have wide passenger doors, making boarding and alighting easier for passengers For the driver, a closed cab with plenty of storage space is provided as standard. The ergonomic cab, which meets the standards of the Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen, gives the driver a view of all the vehicle’s features at a glance, improving general safety. 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.
Belgian manufacturer of buses, coaches and industrial vehicles Van Hool has 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 of 12 meters, 13 meters, 18 meters & 24 meters equipped with exclusively zero emission powertrains: battery-electric, fuel cell hydrogen and trolley. With this new A range, the company is building on the knowledge and experience it has gained in the area of eco-friendly buses for public urban and regional transport. 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.In the design and development of the new A range, particular attention was paid to the weight, sustainability and modularity of the buses. Structural weight savings were achieved through the use of high strength stainless steel, low-weight composite materials and sustainable bonding techniques. For this, computer simulation and optimisation techniques were used, combined with more than 75 years’ skill and experience. 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. This way, Van Hool is making an important contribution to the circular economy.The large rear window lets in plenty of natural light. Also at the rear, the newest generation LED lights have been used. The large access hatch in the rear panel provides user-friendly access to the technical section of the bus. Large side windows enhance the amount of natural light coming into the bus, contributing to a bright interior. The buses have wide passenger doors, making boarding and alighting easier for passengers For the driver, a closed cab with plenty of storage space is provided as standard. The ergonomic cab, which meets the standards of the Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen, gives the driver a view of all the vehicle’s features at a glance, improving general safety. 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.