BHEL-Tiruchi to roll out prototype of electric bus next year

The prototype of the electric bus that will be assembled by BHEL-Tiruchi will have a length of 12 metres, it is learnt.

BHEL will rope in an original equipment manufacturer for total bus technology development and digital manufacturing solution under FAME (Faster Adaptation and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India) scheme, sources said.

It has already awarded a consultancy project valued at Rs. 1.2 crore for validating the prototype to Siemens Centre of Excellence at National Institute of Technology-Tiruchi, which was inaugurated recently by Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar.

Imported components

Components for the prototype of the electric bus will be initially imported and assembled. As per the project schedule, the first assembled bus will roll out in March next, the sources said.

BHEL is looking forward to having a tie-up with an OEM on a long-term basis to design, engineer, integrate, manufacture, type test through suitable certifying agency, carry out routine testing, and servicing of electric buses.

BHEL intends to manufacture electric buses with lithium ion battery technology. The scope of technology transfer includes transfer of knowledge for sizing and selection of various components/subsystems like battery, battery management system (BMS), chargers, vehicle management system, traction motors, controller, power trains, drive train, air-conditioning and complete body, according to an expression of interest document of BHEL.

The Siemens Centre of Excellence will work on development of BMS and thermal management.

“A team is already working on simulations of acceleration, the maximum power drawn from motor and other related factors. The management system will be developed through complicated algorithms,” N. Durai Selvam, head, Siemens Centre of Excellence, NIT-T, said.

Source