Rampini e-midibus range has flexibility in its DNA

A 8-meter electric midibus offered in the two technologies that are revolutionizing the public transport sector: Eltron and Hydron are, respectively, Rampini’s response to the challenges of the energy transition to electric and hydrogen mobility.

Based in the Italian town of Passignano sul Trasimeno, Rampini has a fairly widespread presence in the European market. A recent delivery was indeed held in Marburg (Germany), while Rampini’s e-buses are since years a real pillar in Vienna‘s public transport network.

The Rampini Eltron at the E-Bus Test 2024 in Germany

In line with a company’s strategy aiming for an increasing prominence on the international market, this year for the first time Rampini took part in the E-bus Test contest organised by the German magazine Omnibusspiegel in Bonn, Germany.

The 8-metre Eltron built in Italy was intensively stressed in real traffic conditions on a 10 km long urban path: in addition to test drives, specific technical tests were carried out. The Eltron used for the road test was ‘loaned’ by AMT Genoa, and takes service on the Santa Margherita Ligure – Portofino route.

The sixth edition of this renowned test was attended by more than 100 participants from numerous publications and public transport operators. In this setting, Caterina Rampini, Vice-President and Managing Director, also had the opportunity to personally present the company, the features of its bus range and the company’s future plans.

Rampini Eltron: the e-midibus for urban mobility

The Rampini Eltron, available with two and three doors, is 8 meters long and 2.2 meters wide. It is therefore an ideal solution for the narrow streets of urban centers, without sacrificing capacity: 48 passengers. Its innovative design, by Italian studio Vernacchia, makes it immediately  recognizable.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as mirror cams in place of traditional mirrors that improve visibility and the ‘TopHeat’ infrared air conditioning system, the Rampini Eltron is powered by a motor with a maximum power output of 235 kW, that works alongisde an LFP battery system capable of up to 280 kWh (a very high value for the segment), for a range of about 300 kilometres.

The Rampini Eltron is available with two charging technologies: the standard plug-in type CCS2 (with a socket positioned on the rear side of the midibus) and the roof-mounted bottom-up pantograph.

Models with this second solution are equipped with six new-generation battery modules for a total of 210 kWh, the Eltron without a pantograph, on the other hand, outputs 280 kWh.

Charging power through pantograph is up to 100 kW, which guarantees a complete recharge within two hours.

The batteries, on every Rampini e-bus, are managed by a in-house developed Battery Management System (BMS), which checks and protects the batteries through the use of algorithms and data collection with the aim of ensuring maximum efficiency and lifetime.

The storage system is complemented by a thermal management system based on liquid-cooling technology.

Rampini Hydron: the hydrogen midibus is something unique

The Hydron is the latest addition to the Rampini bus range and stands out in the market as the only 8-metre fuel cell midibus in Europe. With a claimed range of up to 400 kilometres, it shares many features with its battery-powered counterpart, the Eltron.

The ‘Hy4Drive’ electronic drive management system (developed in-house) offers four different modes of use of the fuel cell. In addition, the latest generation fuel cell offers superior performance and durability, ensuring a reliable and safe driving experience, the manufacturer guarantees.

The latest deliveries in Italy: from Bolzano to Arezzo via Bologna

Recent deliveries performed in Bologna, Bolzano and Arezzo, respectively for the operators TPER, SASA and Autolinee Toscane, highlight the expanding strategies of the manufacturer as a supplier of zero-emission solutions for the Italian public transport sector.

In Bologna, Rampini will have 11 Eltron in operation: five with pantographs and six with plug-in charging systems. The first four, featuring roof-mounted recharging technology, were unveiled in Piazza Maggiore in March and will be used on TPER’s shuttle lines that operate on central routes and on connections between the city centre and the hilly areas of the city, lines that require smaller vehicles due to the characteristics of the roads.

Also in March, the Bolzano-based SASA received a new Eltron to be used for public transport services in Merano. The bus was designed to suit the specific requirements of routes 6 and 236, which have particularly challenging routes due to the topographical conditions of the Merano area.

The delivery of two Rampini Eltron to Autolinee Toscane, belonging to RATP group (the first ever for the operator) dates back to the end of 2023. Equipped with a lowered boarding platform to facilitate access for users in wheelchairs, the midibuses also feature a manual ramp and an overnight charging system to maintain shifts without the need for intermediate recharging during daily service.