First order achieved by MCV in Germany for the C127 EV: 10 units for North Rhine-Westphalia
Egyptian manufacturer Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV) has developed the C127 EV as new electric bus for the German market.
Rheingold-Reisen in Wuppertal has ordered 10 all-electric MCV C127 EV: it’s the first order achieved by MCV Deutschland so far for its e-bus model specially developed for the European market. The vehicle was premiered in 2023 at ElekBu (back in Berlin in early March under the new brand of Mobility Move).
The first five vehicles will be delivered in the 4th quarter of 2024, MCV states. A further 5 vehicles will follow in the first quarter of 2025, all of which will be in service in southern North Rhine-Westphalia.
MCV electric bus for the German market
Egyptian manufacturer Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV) has developed the C127 EV as new electric bus for the German market (the company is also in charge of realizing bodywork for the Volvo 7900 Electric range, with first order awarded in Luxembourg).
The bus has a battery capacity of up to 462 kWh, supplied by Forsee Power and using the ZEN Plus LiNMC type. It uses an electric central motor from Actia, with a peak power of 250 kW and a maximum torque of 3,000 Nm. MCV vehicle conforms to VDV guidelines and will have a 10.5 and a H2 fuel cell variant. MCV is a global player in the bus market, with plants in Egypt, Singapore, and South Africa.
Rheingold-Reisen-Wuppertal, a family company focusing on transition
Founded in 1929 by Wilhelm Blankennagel, Rheingold-Reisen-Wuppertal grew steadily with Dieter Blankennagel, son of the founder. In the 1950s, the Wuppertal bus company began organising and operating coach tours, and in the 1990s, Axel Blankennagel, the third generation, developed the company into a broad-based public transport company with a focus on scheduled, school and occasional services.
The fourth generation, represented by Tim and Jörn Blankennagel, is continuing this trend with the addition of rail replacement and on-demand transport services.
Rheingold-Reisen-Wuppertal is also investing in new drive technologies. The private bus company with almost 70 of its own vehicles now operates in 20 cities and municipalities and describes itself as a pioneer of decarbonisation in the core area of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“Construction of the new depot in Dieselstraße in Wuppertal is in the final phase and will open in spring 2024,” says Axel Blankennagel, Managing Director of Rheingold-Reisen-Wuppertal Blankennagel GmbH & Co. In addition to attractive workplaces for the drivers, the new location will also provide for electric charging infrastructure.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to convince Rheingold-Reisen-Wuppertal of our all-electric bus concept and our service package as our first customer,” says Pierre Dellori, Managing Director of MCV Deutschland GmbH.
Forsee Power batteries for MCV
Sharing a few details about their modules on delivery for MCV, Forsee Power explaines that the ZEN PLUS battery systems are available in 5 versions from 74 to 84 kWh. Composed of lithium-ion NMC VDA modules the battery systems deliver an excellent energy density of 180 Wh/kg allowing and a very long 5,000-cycle life.
“MCV is choosing to equip its electric buses with battery packs that meet the highest safety standards and with exceptional performance. Our R100 Rev.3-certified ZEN PLUS is the first pack on the market offering the ability to perfectly adjust the voltage and energy to the needs of the system; it can support both 650V motorizations and 800V motorizations within a same battery format” explains Sébastien Rembauville-Nicolle, Vice President Business Development of Forsee Power.
In addition to R100 Rev.3, ZEN PLUS complies with the most stringent industry standards, including ISO 26262/ ASIL C, ISO 12405, IEC 62660, IEC 6066 as well as R6. Eco-designed, ZEN PLUS can be used in second life application and is optimized for recycling.
