As Kenya moots plans to roll out Mass BRT buses, Ugandan owned nascent car manufacturer Kiira Motors Corporation is set to dish out battery-powered electric buses, named Kayoola EVS.- By Gerald Gekara.
So far the corporation has rolled out two units for testing, with dozens being in the pipeline after multiple international orders.
The prototype follows the Kayoola Solars Bus, a 9-meter city bus with solar panels on the roof.
The new Kayoola EVS is a 12-meter low-entry city bus with capacity for 90 passengers (49 seated, 41 standing).
The electric motor delivers up to 245 kW and was supplied by its technological partner, CHTC Motors of China.
The manufactures states a range of 300 km on one charge.
Battery capacity is stated as being of 560 kWh. Making the maths, and assuming a voltage of 650 V (which is the figure of Solaris and Mercedes e-buses), it would make some 365 kWh.
As reported the floor of Kayoola EVS is made of bamboo and the structure and body are made with local materials.
To keep up with Uganda’s vision 2030 goals, the buses come equipped with reliable Wi-Fi networks to enhance connectivity on-the-go.
“The Kayoola EVS Bus has on-board Wi-Fi to ensure the travelers stay connected, USB charging ports to enable charging of traveler’s devices and display boards for timely and accurate information dissemination,” says the company.
