Adding the local Belgian flavour to the expo, Belgium-based bus maker Van Hool presented three unique products, including EX11 coach, Exqui.City18 fuel-cell articulated tram bus, and CX45E battery-electric coach built for the American market. It also presented a number of technological innovations at the show, including ‘Smart Vision’ rear view systems with HD cameras. The fourth model in the popular ‘EX’ series, the EX11 is a 11 metre high-deck, rear-engine luxury coach that comes in two height options. It is equipped with a Paccar (DAF) MX-11 270 kW diesel engine paired to either ZF TraXon or ExoLife gearboxes.
Van Hool is responding to the increasing market demand to offer a well-equipped and comfortable vehicle in its class. The Exqui.City18 fuel-cell, on the other hand, is designed specifically for the French city of Pau. The 18-metre articulated bus converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through reverse electrolysis. The electricity is used to power the vehicle, and the excess unused energy is stored in lithium batteries for additional power where and when needed, for example when pulling away from a stop. The bus bagged the ‘Grand Award’ and ‘Ecology’ label in the Busworld Awards this edition.
The Van Hool CX45E is a fully electrically-powered coach aimed at the US market. It is equipped with Proterra E2 battery technology, with a battery capacity of 648 Kwh and a working range of approximately 300 km. This coach will be an ideal solution for many customers operating fixed routes, particularly in urban and private environments, the company claimed. The vast majority of Van Hool buses are destined for Europe and the US. Van Hool has around 4,800 staff worldwide, majority of whom work at the production facilities in Koningshooikt (Belgium) and Skopje (North Macedonia).
