Press Information
MHI to Supply 2 Electric Buses Featuring High-performance "MLiX" Lithium-ion Rechargeable Batteries for Zero Emissions Transportation System in Kitakyushu City
SHARE
Tokyo, February 14, 2014 - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will supply two electric buses to serve in a zero emissions transportation system being planned by the city of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The buses - full-size, low-floor models for the city's regular route network - will operate on MHI's high-performance "MLiX" lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. In combination with a lighter body enabled by the partial adoption of carbon fiber construction, the new buses will be able to operate continuously over dramatically increased distances, providing a quiet and comfortable ride to passengers with zero gas emissions.
The new buses measure 11.065 meters (m) in length, 2.495m in width and 3.475m in height, and weigh 11,250 kilograms (kg). Use of a specially developed charger enables full recharging in approximately half the required time, compared with current CHAdeMO type quick charging systems. The buses will be able to travel up to 80 kilometers (km) on a full charge*, at a top speed of 85km per hour. Load capacity is 72 passengers.
The MLiX lithium-ion rechargeable battery to be featured on the new electric buses is lightweight, compact in size, and offers outstanding reliability and long service life. The battery has already achieved a significant track record through its widespread adoption in cargo container-type energy storage systems, hybrid forklifts and other advanced products developed and marketed by MHI.
A variety of demonstration tests of electric buses have been conducted in numerous locations both in Japan and overseas, including Sao Paulo, Brazil, in order to make contributions to the creation of more energy-efficient, low-carbon cities. Leveraging the latest order from Kitakyushu, MHI now looks to make even more contributions to the creation of smart communities through increased adoption of electric buses.
Electric Bus Specifications**
| Item | Specification | |
| Exterior view |
| |
| Boarding design | Low-floor stepless access | |
| Usage | Full-size route bus | |
| Passenger capacity | 72 persons | |
| Body dimensions | Length | 11.065m |
| Width | 2.495m | |
| Height | 3.475m | |
| Vehicle weight | 11,250kg | |
| Maximum speed | 85km/h | |
| Maximum travel distance | 80km* | |
| Drive motor | Type | 3-phase asynchronous AC induction motor |
| Maximum output | 240kW | |
| Battery | Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| Specifications | DC 621.6V / 150Ah / 93.24kWh | |
| Commercial SOC*** | ||
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.