Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI has been operational in a wide array of transport-related research and development topics, ranging from the fields of electro mobility, traffic planning and traffic ecology, traffic information, vehicle propulsion and sensor technologies, while also incorporating traffic telematics, the information and communication sectors, as well as disposition and logistics. The AutoTram® Extra Grand – currently the longest and one of the most innovative busses in the world – combines the advantages of conventional bus and tram technologies into an intermediate public transport vehicle concept. It has a passenger capacity of over 250, can be driven fully electrically over a longer distance, is flexibly operable on diverse routes, and, perhaps most importantly, the costs for acquisition and operating are only half as high as those of trams.

• High transport capacity (> 250 passengers)
• Diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system
• All-electric operation by means of li-ion batteries
• Range extender for charging processes during operation
• Variably configurable modular concept
• High operational flexibility
• Tram-like swept path (German regulation »BOKraft-Kreis«)
• Low infrastructure costs
• Low environmental impact

One feature of special importance is the excellent maneuverability of the double-articulated, over 30 m-long vehicle. Due to its novel joint and gangway systems in combination with an electronic multi-axle steering system, it is almost swept path-free in curves, both in forward and in reverse drive. With its turning circle of 12.5 meters, which is extremely small considering its length, the AutoTram® Extra Grand meets the registration criteria for road vehicles in public transport. Due to its high passenger capacity, comparably low costs and high operational flexibility, the AutoTram® Extra Grand is especially well-suited for urban areas and mega cities with a fast-growing demand for transportation. The foundations for the intermediary vehicle concept have been developed at the Fraunhofer IVI over the course of several years. The longest and today one of the most innovative buses combines the advantages of conventional trams with those of buses.

Dual storage system: The combination of supercaps and lithium-ion batteries guarantees a long-life cycle for the electric traction storage. While the supercaps buffer peak loads during braking and acceleration, the high energy density of the lithium-ion battery provides enough current for about 8 kilometers of fully electric driving.

Powerpack: Two diesel-electric generator units supply the necessary backup power for demanding route profiles. While the diesel-electric main propulsion system is able to accelerate the fully loaded vehicle on normal routes, the secondary powerpack automatically supports the intermediate circuit voltage, if required, when driving uphill or to recharge the battery storage.

Electric motors positioned close to the wheels: Two of the five axles are driven by permanently excited synchronous motors with a peak power of 240 kW each. Its compact lightweight construction and its efficient air-cooling system characterize the motor developed especially for the AutoTram ® Extra Grand.

Precise multi-axle steering technology: Four electro-hydraulically steered axles combined with innovative articulation joint systems guarantee exceptional lane stability. The driver indicates lane direction via the first axle – all other axles follow as if drawn on a virtual rail. Even reverse maneuvering can be performed smoothly.

Please find below informative web-links for your further ref on;

• AutoTram® Extra Grand [Flyer]
• Fast-Charging Electric Bus (IVI) & [Flyer]
• Charging Technologies (IVI)
• Route Implementation for Electric Buses (IVI)
• Autonomous Commercial Vehicles (IVI)
• Simulation Tool IVIsion

About Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: (Web-link)

Fraunhofer headquartered in Germany, is the world’s leading applied research organization. With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial exploitation of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for ground-breaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. Its research activities are conducted by 75 Institutes and Research units across locations in Germany. The Fraunhofer employs a staff of 29,000; who are qualified scientists and engineers working with an annual outlay more than 2.8 billion Euros. Of this sum, 2.4 billion euros is generated through contract research. Our global footprint is very strong with offices and research centres in the USA, Europe and Asia. Some of our renowned innovations are the MP3 format, the white LED, the smallest of cameras. In the field of renewable, Fraunhofer holds the world record in solar cell efficiency, battery storage, and cover the entire spectrum of energy (Grid, Renewables, Storage, etc) across the value chain from materials to testing and certification. Fraunhofer has been active in India since the past several years, bringing innovative technologies and research competence to India. Fraunhofer in India is the chosen R&D and innovation technology partner of some of the major players in the field of Energy, Environment, Automotive, Electro-mobility, Materials, Production Technology and Smart Cities working with Industry, Government and Public Sector.