Converting battery-electric buses to IMC vehicles: focus on KIEPE modular powertrain technology HPC

Authored and sponsored by KIEPE

Kiepe provides enhanced, modular powertrain products for battery electric HPC buses and IMC® electric buses, enabling 24/7 operation and increase operational efficiency.

Traction and powertrain systems are an essential part of the DNA of KIEPE, a pioneer in electromobility for rail and bus. At the mobility move 2025 we present updated components and systems for battery electric buses (with or without High-Power Charging up to 800 kW) and IMC® electric busses. Our aim is to accelerate the electrification of the public transport sector with future-proofed and reliable electric systems and products. 

Powertrain solutions designed to support a modular eBus HPC platform

KIEPE is providing new electrification options for vehicle manufacturers and the public transport sector. Bus designs ranging from 12 to 36 meters in length can be enhanced to a new level of vehicle electrification via high-performance charging. KIEPE is focusing on powertrain components for two vehicle concepts: the battery-electric High-Power Charging (HPC) bus with up to 800 kW charging power and the electric trolley bus, which can cover most routes without overhead lines in battery mode thanks to our innovative In Motion Charging (IMC®) technology.

The modular eBus HPC platform is equipped with six modules that can be adapted and integrated individually or as a complete system: Traction, Power Distribution, Auxiliary Power Supply (APS), Battery Systems, Charging Systems, and Vehicle Control. These components can be tailored to the unique requirements of each customer.KIEPE’s key product innovations include:

• KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI): A traction inverter equipped with advanced machine control for synchronous and asynchronous drives, KIEPE Traction Control, and simultaneous fulfillment of the requirements for cyber security, functional safety, and ISO safety standard 26262.
• KIEPE Isolating Converter (KIC): A galvanically isolated DC-DC converter that is designed to meet the requirements of an overhead line on the input side and can establish a safe connection between battery bus component technology and the overhead line. By using the KIC as a battery charger, an electric bus can be converted into an IMC® electric bus.
• KIEPE Smart Current Collector (KSC): A current collector for trolley buses that supports semi-automatic wiring with maximum control dynamics.
• Smart Fleet Management (SFM): The AI-based software solution takes over the energy management of entire fleets and extends the service life of batteries.

The KIEPE eBus HPC platform provides flexibility to vehicle manufacturers and the option to augment a standard battery-electric bus with trolley bus IMC® based technology. Only two sub-system components are required here: the KIEPE Isolating Converter (KIC) and our Smart Current Collector (KSC). In this way, OEMs can open new markets and operators can gain new vehicle suppliers.

The High-Power Charging technology impresses with charging capacities of up to 800 kW, charging times of just a few minutes, and 24/7 operational flexibility. As a result of the high charging power, the battery capacity on the bus can be optimized, minimizing additional weight. The weight savings allow operators to offer increased passenger capacity, and specific CO2 consumption is reduced.