Ikarus delivers two 120e buses in Hungary
The Hungarian state bus operator Volánbusz recently ordered a total of 100 electric buses as part of the Green Bus Programme of Hungary. From these 100 e-buses already 40 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro for the Budapest agglomeration are delivered, 48 of them are manufactured by BYD in their Hungarian factory and Ikarus is to deliver 12 of its 120e bus, a 12 metre electric bus. The first two of this batch of 12 are now delivered and have entered service.
Ikarus delivers two 120e buses in Hungary
All the Ikarus buses will go to the city of Székesfehérvár where the Ikarus factory is located. The first two buses of the fleet were handed over on 6th July at the Székesfehérvár depot of Volánbusz. Delivery of the whole fleet is expected by the end of September. The investment for the 12 electric Ikarus 120e buses is worth a total of HUF 1.76 billion (4.42 million euros). The government’s Green Bus Program will provide between 2020 and 2029 a total of HUF 35.9 billion (90 million euros) for cities with a population of more than 25,000 and for public transportation providers, for purchasing electric buses, self-driving trolleybuses and charging equipment. Volánbusz procured the vehicles with a 75% government subsidy and a 25% deductible. During production Ikarus strives to use technology that has a
minimal impact on the environment. With the construction and continuous expansion of the domestic supply chain, the Hungarian added value of Ikarus buses is over 50%. The Ikarus 120e electric bus is equipped with visual passenger information to the outside world by LED display boards, and in the passenger compartment by monitors. The equipment also includes a Valeo air conditioner and USB charging sockets. There are 28 fixed passenger seats on board. Two additional folding seats have been placed on the platform, and the number of standing places is 55. The driver is looking at a ergonomic ACTIA Podium 2 instrument panel. A reversing camera is standard as well as an automatic on-board Fogmaker fire extinguishing system.
The Ikarus 120e has a ten-module lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) traction battery pack from CATL with a total capacity of 314 kWh which should provide a range of approximately 300 kilometres on one charge. Although only two of the buses have now been taken in service, all of the dozen Great Lakes charging stations are ready for operation.