It’s on the hottest of days that it stands out. Sweat pouring down the forehead. Water being chugged down by the litre. The scalding hot seatbelt buckle that sizzles at the touch. When these scorching days of heat and sun descend on Australia, the value of high-quality air-conditioning units onboard buses and coaches comes to the fore.
While HVAC technology has been consistently improving throughout the years in the local market, the recent industry trend towards adopting zero-emissions systems has taken on a new meaning in the air-conditioning game. Previously, the latest and greatest HVAC solutions for diesel buses and coaches were all about capacity and power – two factors that often lead to larger and heavier units.
Fast-forward to 2025 and the bus and coach sector has shifted its requirements, calling for air-conditioning units that are light, sleek and compact to fit on the latest models of zero-emissions vehicles. For suppliers like Spheros, this challenge has been met with innovation and flexibility.
“The electrification of the local bus industry has driven us to develop a range of enhancements for our latest models,” Spheros Australia general manager Paul Williams told ABC.
“Our systems now extend beyond traditional air-conditioning – they cool batteries and components and improve passenger and driver cabin comfort.”
The latest HVAC units arriving in Australia from Spheros reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation in zero-emissions transport. Spheros is continuously working to reduce the overall mass of its electric air-conditioning systems, helping to minimise energy consumption and extend the driving range of electric buses.
At the same time, the company maintains the high performance and long-term durability for which it is renowned in the Australasian market. These advancements play a critical role in supporting the transition towards more efficient and sustainable public transport solutions.
However, its developments aren’t just limited to weight and quality. Spheros has introduced battery cooling technology that caters for the changing trend of managing temperatures within the electric batteries, while also focusing on keeping the driver area comfortable and cool at all times.
These recent developments have driven the introduction of a new range of options and models in the Australian market over the past year. Spheros has been a pioneer in battery cooling since 2014 with the introduction of the first E-Cooler five kW model for hybrid and electric buses. In 2024, a 10 kW independent battery cooling system was unveiled, equipped with active and passive cooling, a heating circuit, a central coolant pump and all essential components. The Spheros E-Cooler is a compact, true stand-alone solution and is already in series production.
This upgrade reflects the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to market feedback. The new system delivers precise thermal management for vehicle batteries, allowing the main HVAC unit to focus exclusively on maintaining optimal passenger cabin conditions.
Globally, there’s more on the way. Williams says that Spheros is planning to unveil three new models at this year’s Busworld Expo in Brussels, Belgium, starting with the world premiere of the REVO®-E R290. Using the eco-friendly refrigerant R290, the R290 model will be joined by the launch of the REVO®-E HP R744 GEN2 and the REVO®-E Global GEN2 units.
The fully electric REVO®-E Global builds on nearly a decade of field experience in international bus markets. Now, the second generation of this product line is being launched, offering 20 per cent higher efficiency and 10 per cent more cooling capacity compared to its predecessor – thanks to optimised components and intelligent system control. An optional battery thermal management (BTM) system can also be integrated.
Courtesy of its modular design and a wide range of additional features, the REVO®-E Global is ideally suited to global applications and offers tailored solutions for all bus types and climate zones.
The trio of REVO®-E models showcased at Busworld will be available globally during 2026. Engineered in Germany, this innovative line is built to deliver reliable cooling performance – even in the hottest climates. Each unit is tailored with specific regional conditions in mind, but Spheros offers flexible solutions to meet the unique needs of any customer. According to Williams, Spheros will be able to adapt these German-engineered systems to suit the demands of the Australian market while maintaining the same high standards of quality and performance.
These units will follow in the footsteps of Spheros’ current electric bus air-conditioner units enjoying success in the local market.
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While Spheros is already seeing unit sales increase in its electric operations, the newly launched CC490 unit in Australia is also set to adorn local diesel buses after the first model was bought by Port Stephens Coaches.
“The CC490 unit boasts one of the highest cooling capacities on the market at 49 kW, featuring eight blowers and a high ambient rated condenser,” Williams says.
“This means that this model significantly reduces in-cabin noise while maintaining strong duct air pressure. It represents a major advancement in passenger comfort and is especially suited to demanding environments like mining operations.”
Alongside this product innovation, growth in the local air-conditioning market has been an increasing commitment to provide the very best service and support for customers. Recognising the growing demand for zero-emissions transport in New South Wales, where zero-emissions transport mandates have seen the state’s operators lead the way in ordering electric buses and coaches, Spheros has evolved its aftersales care when it comes to its latest range of HVAC units.
“We are dedicated to enhancing our service capabilities nationwide to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Williams says.
“We’re in the process of building a national service technician network, with technicians being strategically positioned across key regions and equipped with service vehicles to respond promptly to any inquiries. They will support warranty-covered vehicles as well as ongoing service and maintenance requirements, ensuring minimal downtime for operators.
“Our goal is to significantly reduce response times and provide timely, reliable support to customers throughout Australia.”
A lot has happened in the past year for Spheros. Prior to 2024, the brand was known as Valeo after the company first came to Australia over a decade ago. After being purchased by Valeo Group in 2016 and run by the global business, Spheros has now returned to its roots and is operating independently once again.
“It’s exciting to return to the Spheros brand and focus on what we do best,” Williams says.
Outside of this wide range of changes made in recent times, Williams has also noted the demand for Spheros’ spare parts range growing in the Australian market. The increase closely mirrors the rise in electric unit sales, creating a two-pronged avenue for growth in Australia.
“While our spare parts side has consistently grown over time, in the past two years alone this sector has almost doubled in growth,” he says.
“This is because customers are committed to maintaining our units and using our genuine parts to ensure the reliability and performance of their Spheros units.”
All of this represents a significant period of change for Williams and the Spheros team. Yet, much like the refreshing airflow delivered by Spheros’ expanding range of diesel and electric HVAC systems across an increasing number of Australian buses and coaches, the team is approaching the future with confidence and composure – ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
“It’s encouraging to witness progress in both our electric drive units and spare parts divisions within the Australian market,” Williams says.
“We remain committed to broadening our national service network to support and sustain this growth effectively.”
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