Electric Solo buses on trial in Dorset 23 May 2012

Two electrically powered Optare Solo SRs are now being trialled on a route between Dorchester and the model village of Poundbury – the first to be powered by electricity.

The vehicles, funded by the Duchy of Cornwall, West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council, are due to start passenger carrying duties in the next few weeks time.

The vehicles feature the Enova P120 zero emission, full electric drive system, which, according to Optare, was selected for its smaller vehicle specialisation.

Motor power is 120kW with a torque rating of 650Nm, and there are 56 maintenance-free lithium iron magnesium phosphate batteries in two separate packs assembled in parallel.

The 100kWh battery pack is expected to give an operating range of around 90 miles on a single charge.

Charging is via an automated water-cooled 15.2kW on-board charger that achieves full capacity in around six hours.

The official public launch of the new electric bus service is planned for early July.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Optare plc

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