A prototype of the Belarus-made MAZ-271 electric bus will be taken into test operation to deliver passengers from the terminal to the aircraft at Pulkovo Airport. Its capacity is about 100 people; the electric bus can run for about 80 km without recharging. This was announced by Valentin Yenokaev, Chairman of the Transport Committee of St. Petersburg, at the IV International Transport Festival SPbTransportFest.
“The most interesting novelty that is presented here will soon appear at the airport in St. Petersburg – it’s a ramp electric bus MAZ, it is electric and it is a unique piece of work in the world. We will put it into trial operation and it will serve Petersburgers at the airport,” he said.
According to Yenokaev, agreements in principle have already been reached, the pilot operation will last about a year to allow the machine to work in all seasonal conditions.
“For apron service at the airport, an electric bus is a good option, as it is easier for it to leave for recharging if necessary. So far, one prototype has been taken for testing, and if it performs well, they will think about increasing the number of vehicles. In addition, an articulated gas harmonica bus will operate on route 39 to Pulkovo,” Valentin Yenokaev said.
According to the developers, this is the first prototype, originally its body was used with a diesel engine, this year the bus was remade and an electric motor with traction batteries was installed. “This vehicle has a minimum autonomous range of 80km with the possibility of doubling the battery capacity. Passenger capacity is about 100 people, of which 14 seats are seated,” said the head of the electric transport department of JSC MAZ Nikolai Danilenko.
He added that the electric bus has no shelves for luggage, but at the request of the customer they can be installed. For direct customers, the approximate cost is about 50 million rubles. The average lifespan of the vehicle is 10-12 years.
