Modular Architecture for Ultra-Low Emissions Buses

This project will develop a new, flexible, modular design architecture for buses which will enable a new generation of ultra-low emission vehicles to be developed. These new buses will include pure electric vehicles (EV's) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEV's) which must compete on both operational and commercial terms with conventional diesel vehicles. A critical part of the design specification, therefore, will be for the life-cycle cost of vehicle operations to be superior to that of modern diesel buses. In addition to the proposed vehicle design and technology development activities, the programme will include the development of an innovative approach to business and finance which is designed to make the ownership/operation of EV buses more attractive.