What bus visitors should expect to find at InnoTrans 2024?

InnoTrans is the industry’s largest trade fair in the public transport sector, with 200,000 square meters of exhibition space on the fully occupied Messe Berlin exhibition grounds. The expo will be running from 24th September until 27th September on the biggest display area since the show’s launch in 1996. 2,940 exhibitors from 59 countries occupy the entire exhibition grounds. 226 world innovations are displayed, plus 113 vehicles on 3,500 metres of rail track.

At previous edition, InnoTrans 2022, 14 buses were on display. Among others: Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen, Ebusco 3.0, VDL Citea new generation, the fuel cell bus by Skoda. Also Karsan, Optibus, Kiepe Electric, Otokar, Altas, Voith were attending the expo.

And this year? Trade visitors can watch live demonstrations of 11 buses with alternative drives systems on a 500-metre long circuit, the organizers say. Arthur Bus, BYD, Ikarus and Nesobus are all newcomer. Ebusco brought a three-door 3.0 in a full low-floor design to Berlin (but the company is standing in a very critical situation).

Railway divisions of companies such as Skoda, Hübner, Konvekta and Voith are of course not missing such an important event. Like happened in 2022, Daimler Buses will be at InnoTrans with a small stand aiming at providing information about its digital services.

BYD at InnoTrans 2024 with B12 platform

BYD has chosen InnoTrans 2024 to showcase its brand new B12 platform equipped with Blade Battery Chassis. What is new, starting from here, all future BYD eBuses are set to adopt new generation Blade Battery Chassis technology with battery modules integrated in the chassis. Passenger capacity can be up to 105 people.

The ‘BYD eBus Blade Battery Chassis’, already seen at Busworld 2023 and ready for show at InnoTrans, to be held in Berlin on 24 – 27th October, integrates the Lithium Iron Phosphate Blade Battery within the chassis structure, with advancements in thermal and structural safety, weight reduction and a substantial reduction in energy consumption.

BYD will reportedly also bring a city bus built with Spanish coachbuilder Castrosua and aiming to Spanish (and, maybe, Italian) markets.

Ikarus: the 12-meter is new

Also for the first time at InnoTrans is the Hungarian manufacturer Ikarus, which, according to the expo’s communication, is bringing two buses: the latest V4 version of its 12 m city bus, the Ikarus 120e, and the Ikarus midi bus, an 8 m electric bus.

Ikarus is a partner of Siemens, and is displaying that company’s latest innovative e-Line current collectors on its stand.

Also at InnoTrans: Arthur Bus, K-Bus, Nesobus, Ventura…

At InnoTrans 2024, Arthur Bus is showing a further developed version of its fuel cell bus, which takes into account numerous customer suggestions and VDV recommendations. German trade media Omnibusspiegel stresses that “Significant changes have been made to the driver’s seat, for example, including the modular Conti dashboard with digital display and suspended pedals”.

Still according to Omnibusspiegel, the Austrian minibus maker K-Bus is bringing an E-Solar City XL at InnoTrans. Nesobus, from Poland, is represented at Innotrans for the first time and is presenting its Nesobus 12 there.

Also Karsan will be at the Bus Display: as just done at IAA, the Turkish brand will have an automated E-Atak on show.

The components’ world at InnoTrans

On the Bus Display, Ventura Systems is exhibiting ultra-modern entry systems for public transport – and celebrating its first 30 years of history.

Also from the components’ side, Messe Berlin will be hosting Hispacold, Masats, Carmedialab (together with its parent company INIT), Optibus, IVU, ABB, Actia, Siemens.

Kiepe: technologies for e-buses at InnoTrans 2024

Kiepe will display in Berlin its KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI). It achieves a high-power density through efficient semiconductor technology, is suitable for all common drives and can therefore be used universally, Kiepe underlines.

The KIC (KIEPE Insulating Converter) is a galvanically insulating DC/DC converter for use with high variance of input and output voltages. Primarily designed for IMC buses (In Motion Charging) and powered by the overhead line, the KIC functions as a battery charger and turns an electric bus into an IMC bus.

Additionally, The scalable k.Charger charging solutions enable charging infrastructure systems that are individually adapted to the existing depot infrastructure as well as opportunity chargers along the route. The power supply can be provided by the public power grid as well as the locally available railway power supply (AC and DC).

What more?

The ShowBus of DB Regio AG is also on the grounds. The 12 m electric bus features a lounge area, workspaces, a high level of comfort, and emphasises barrier-free access. Innovative charging technology and vehicle interiors The focus is on electric and hydrogen power, as they are currently the manufacturers’ zero-emissions drive systems of choice and in customer demand.

Accordingly, companies including Mont-Ele and SBRS are displaying charging solutions for public transport. In addition to China Railway, Etihad Rail, Infrabel, Korail, ÖBB, PKP, Deutsche Bahn, RTA Dubai and Saudi Railway, ten other regional, national and international transport companies and operators are represented on their own stand, InnoTrans points out.