Busworld Europe 2023 witnessed BITZER’s unveiling of cutting-edge products, showcasing their commitment to advancing technology in the realm of air conditioning and heat pumps for buses. Among the innovations presented, Oliver Rathfelder, Director Sales Transport, BITZER, highlighted two pivotal products, stating, “The first one is our speed light EV 52, a compressor designed for standard refrigeration and new natural refrigerants. This aligns with the shift towards natural refrigerants in Europe. The second is the CO2 light compressor, specifically tailored for CO2 applications, offering reduced weight and height, making it ideal for rooftop installations.”
Delving into the company’s market presence and achievements, Rathfelder expressed optimism about their performance in the European electric bus sector, noting, “We are quite good in buses in Europe and are set to ramp up production next year. We anticipate a substantial presence in the market, reaching a high three-digit number of compressors for buses. We also plan to collaborate with other bus manufacturers as the future of buses is undoubtedly electric.”
Discussing BITZER’s expansion into the Indian market, Rathfelder revealed, “In the beginning of the year, we visited India and engaged with air conditioning builders. We have offered our compressors for testing and have already delivered prototypes. Our compressors are being tested in India, aligning with the growing momentum of electric buses in the Indian market.”
Providing insights into BITZER’s research and development strategy, Rathfelder explained, “R&D is conducted in Germany, while assembly also takes place in India. Our Roadstar compressor for diesel buses is already assembled in Mumbai. Looking ahead, we may explore further manufacturing in India to meet the demand for our products.”
Rathfelder outlined BITZER’s goals, stating, “Our primary focus is to actively participate in and drive the electrification of transport. We aim to lead the market with innovative products, ensuring we stay ahead in delivering the right solutions to our customers.”