The Hyundai Motor Company has launched its first electric minibus called the County Electric.
The minibus is currently available for the Korean market, and provides an economical, eco-friendly, safe and convenient alternative to diesel-powered buses.
According to Hyundai, the minibus comes in configurations of 15 to 33 seats. It’s equipped with a high-efficiency and high-power 128-kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery that provides a range of 250 km on a full charge.
Swapping the diesel engine for an electric motor provides more space, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the bus.
The 128-kWh battery can be fully charged in 72 minutes using a standard Combo 1 DC system, which helps ensure reliability.
The 7,710-mm-long minibus can also be charged using a household 220V outlet, which takes 17 hours; a 220V charger will be provided as an option.
The Country Electric isn’t just economical and eco-friendly, it is also powerful. Within the 50 to 80 km/h range, the bus provides 30% faster acceleration compared to diesel models.
Moreover, the bus is equipped with an electronically controlled, air-over-hydraulic(AOH) brake system with more robust brake discs to handle increased vehicle weight due to the battery.
The County Electric features some of the latest safety technologies to prevent accidents when passengers get on and off.
Various sensors located near the middle door, including an ultrasonic sensor, prevent the door from closing while the passenger is getting on and off.
The sensors also trigger an alarm when a body part gets caught in the door and automatically opens the door to prevent injury.
The ultrasonic sensor is further connected to the bus’s acceleration pedal, which prevents the bus from moving forward from a stop when passenger movement is detected.
The minibus also comes with a virtual engine sound system and rear parking assist system to warn pedestrians and prevent accidents.
Image and content: Hyundai Motor Company
