Credobus launches articulated e-bus Electronell 18, with 16 tons tare: it’ll be in operation this year

The first Hungarian articulated electric bus has been completed and introduced. Leading Hungarian bus manufacturer Credobus has presented the first Hungarian articulated electric bus Electronell 18 in Budapest. The manufacturer claims it’s “the world’s lightest steel-framed articulated e-bus”. Its own weight does not exceed 16 tons, which allows it to reach a range of 300 km with 25% fewer batteries.

The 12-meter model was presented in the summer of 2024, and the 18-meter articulated version will be launched for the first time in passenger traffic in early 2025, following its presentation on December 18.

The other Hungarian bus manufacturer Ikarus stated in late 2023 that an all-new articulated version, called the Ikarus 180e, will also join the lineup in the future.

Low entry articulated Credobus bus for Hungarian market

The Low Entry design enables to places 2 out of 4 batteries under the floor, providing a low centre of gravity. “Thanks to the optimum wheel size, the wheel arches are lower, so there are no unused spaces between the backrests of the seats on them”, the OEM states.

The bus is designed with a 2-2-2-2 door configuration, with an interior layout suitable for both urban and suburban applications. Energy storage is provided by 3rd generation liquid-cooled NMC batteries from BorgWarner (Akasol). The battery pack has a total capacity of 392 kWh and can be charged in just over 3 hours with a power output of 150 kW.

Motor? The Voith VEDS HD central motor drive system, with a peak power of 410 kW and a maximum efficiency of 97.3%, Credobus states. The drive system of the solo and articulated versions is built with components of the same size.

The heat pump thermal management system is supplied by Eberspächer, the electrohydraulic servo pump by DANA and the electrically driven compressor by Knorr-Bremse. With the ZF-branded driver assistance systems based on radar and camera sensors, Electronell models will comply with the requirements of the European Union’s amended General Vehicle Safety Regulation (GSR II).

Electronell 18, fully built by Credobus

Credobus underlines that its new family of vehicles is developed by Credobus independently, without a general partner, and the main system integration and software development tasks were also carried out in Hungary. Credobus’s own production includes the self-supporting chassis and almost all metal parts, including the suspensions.

The Group has a demonstrative reference: about 50% of the national fleet of MÁV Passenger Transport Co. (formerly VOLÁNBUSZ), more than 2,600 buses are under the brand Credobus.