A new 14-seat all-electric commuter bus has just arrived in Australia. Global Auto Distributors, based in Western Australia, has landed first shipments of the Joylong E6 bus in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Featuring a profile that is well-known locally, the new bus is far more than a concept vehicle brought to Australia for testing and evaluation. The Joylong E6 is already well-proven in Asian markets with an outstanding level of reliability and functionality, says Global Auto.
City and suburban medium transit work can now be handled with zero emissions and minimal maintenance. Airport and hotel transfers can be managed with the unique quietness of an electric driveline.
The E6 battery pack supplies dual-zoned air-conditioning and heating even when the bus is stationary for maximum passenger comfort. Disc brakes are all round with an antilock breaking system and electronic brake force distributiob, and it can tow up to 1,800kg with approved trailer brakes.
The 60kW liquid-cooled electric motor generates a peak torque of 382Nm and drives through the rear wheels. The 86.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery is also liquid cooled and is recharged through a 22kW OBC Euro type socket. A 22kW AC on-board charger connects to a 20A or 32A three-phase circuit and allows charging times that reflect optimal city and suburban operating ranges.
From empty to full the E6 battery will top-up in five hours using a 20amp circuit. A 32A circuit will complete the job in 3.9 hours. More practically, you can charge the E6 from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in just 2.3 hours on a 32A circuit. The range of around 300km – depending on usage – in city areas is more than enough for regular commuters and local passenger work.
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The fabric seats will come with a three point seatbelt to ensure passenger safety
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Managing director of Global Automotive Distributors, Frank Johnson, said the bus doesn’t feel like a commercial vehicle.
“It’s very easy and comfortable to drive, and with the battery pack centrally located under the floor the low centre of gravity enhances safety in tight and twisty city environs.
“We opted for the 6m length to make sure there was much more open space in the passenger area and plenty of Aussie leg room,” he said.
The 14 seats are arranged with Australian frames in mind and the independent front and rear air conditioning features a double rear top evaporator for maximum cooling in hot weather. Each of the passenger seats are fitted with adjustable back rests, finished in fabric and include three-point safety belts.
Driver and front passenger are protected with individual airbags, and the driver will enjoy comfort and connectivity features equal to many passenger cars, says Global Auto. A rear reverse radar is included for those tight parking spots in and around the city.
Operators will welcome the huge reduction in servicing expense and downtime as ongoing maintenance is limited to coolant checks, tyre rotations and checking pads on the all-wheel disc brakes, the distributor adds.
