--Major order for Wrightbus and Volvo Bus with new EcoLife automatic transmission and low-floor technology from ZF.
--EcoLife and low-floor axle as a basis for Bus Rapid Transit.
The British company First UK Bus, one of the largest transport companies worldwide, will modernize its bus fleet in the years to come. For this purpose, the double-decker buses which will be supplied by the bus manufacturer Wrightbus and are based on a Volvo B9TL chassis, will be equipped exclusively with the new ZF-EcoLife automatic transmissions. The order with a volume of more than Euro 160 million covers the equipment of double-decker buses with ZF-EcoLife and the supply of ZF AV 132 portal axles, which allow for the corresponding passenger compartment height, particularly in double-decker buses. Moreover, both products are a prerequisite for Bus Rapid Transit.
The new ZF-EcoLife automatic transmission has been proving its benefits in practice for two years already: In England and Ireland, about 600 Volvo double-decker buses of the B9TL type have been running successfully with ZF-EcoLife. "Volvo was the first customer to order the automatic 6-speed transmission for production application", says Wolfgang Schilha, Senior Vice President of the Bus Driveline Technology Business Unit at ZF. "And the customer's feedback has been positive in every respect." This experience was probably also a reason why ZF was rewarded a contract for supplying transmissions in the largest individual order for Volvo Bus in Europe.
More power with more efficiency
The new automatic 6-speed transmission EcoLife transmits up to 2,000 Nm and is thus also optimally suited for use with higher torques. Thus, ZF already meets future emissions standards as well as the demand for additional fuel and CO2 savings. Depending on the operating mode, fuel consumption is reduced by up to five percent. Equipped with a new torque converter, the EcoLife achieves optimized acceleration values with lower engine speeds. A torsional damper with neutral installation dimensions is integrated into the converter, ensuring smooth running and savings during fuel-intensive starting procedures. The integrated Citybus retarder with improved performance not only supports braking but also contributes to a better cooling concept of the EcoLife with a heat exchanger. Thus, the automatic 6-speed transmission can also operate at oil sump temperatures of up to 120 degrees – which is above all important for Euro 5 standard diesel engines. The oil change intervals and service life are also increased considerably. The transmission is reliable and easy to service, and it operates very economically.
Low-floor technology for Bus Rapid Transit
The scope of supply for First UK Bus includes not only the EcoLife automatic transmission but also ZF AV 132 portal axles. Its special design allows for level access for getting on and off the bus – also known as one-level boarding – and a central aisle which is also free from platforms and steps. Used in low-floor buses, for example, with the B9TL Volvo Chassis and combined with separate bus lanes, this ensures perfect implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT). BRT is a solution for public transport that allows for quick passenger changes and short dwell times at bus stops, particularly in large cities. Compared with concepts with platform bus stops, for example, BRT is more flexible and less expensive.
Captions:
1) Double-decker buses based on the Volvo B9TL chassis running with ZF technology by order of First UK Bus.
2) The automatic 6-speed transmission ZF-EcoLife transfers higher torques with lower fuel consumption.
3) The ZF AV 132 portal axle allows for a consistent low-floor design in the entire vehicle with a floor height of just 405 millimeters.
