Battery buses begin long-term trials
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Dual-mode electrics for phase two
by Bill Godwin
On Tuesday, the first seven of a total of 22 battery electric buses were handed over by MAN to the West German organization sponsoring Europe's first large-scale operation of vehicles of this kind. The date which may become a significant milestone in the history of passenger transport marks the introduction in Moenchen-Gladbach of the MAN SL-E type buses which have been built for GES (Gesellschaft fur elektrischen Strassenverkehr) of Dusseldorf.
The vehicles are based on the MAN VoV standard single-decker and are generally similar to the two prototypes completed some years ago for preliminary evaluation of the trailerbased battery pack. The prototypes were subsequently used in public service in Koblenz.
The units now working in Moenchen-Gladbach and another 15 due shortly-4n Dusseldorf are the property of GES which will be paid a mileage rate for each bus by the two operators concerned. GES — a subsidiary of Rheinisch Westfalische Elektrizitat, the regional electricity generating authority — is also provid
ing the charging stations designed for fast battery changes and other ancillary equipment. Incidentally, Moenchen-Gladbach is no stranger to bus trailer practice; in the late Fifties the undertaking was unique in using small passenger trailers behind double-deck buses.
By keeping the batteries outside the bus,, on a compact single-axle trailer, passenger capacity remains unimpaired (98) although the weight of the trailers has had to be increased to nearly 8 tonnes. The quick-change
power packs account for over 6 ton neS of the gcw of the fully laden outfit at almost 24 tonnes. Early trial results with the larger battery capacity achieved an operating range of 125 km carrying a full passenger load at a constant speed of 50 km/h and a range of 65km at an average distance of 520m between stops, with subsequent acceleration to 50 km/h. Electric braking allows 25-30 pc of the energy to be recuperated.
The introduction of these vehicles on a broad-based trial for a period of