Domestic electric buses to appear in Bishkek

Bishkek, Feb. 4, 2019. /Kabar/. Environmentally friendly electric buses produced in Kyrgyzstan will appear in Bishkek.

The project is being developed by our compatriots – Kyrgyz engineers, programmers, designers. The idea to create domestic “product” in the form of a bus appeared 1.5 years ago. A team of only 9 people came up with a transport that will operate on batteries and not pollute the atmosphere.

It is gratifying to imagine that a vehicle assembly will begin in a month and if the government supports the initiative, we, the citizens and guests of the capital, will travel around on Made-in-KG transport vehicle. Director of the Octalion LLC Bakyt Kurmankojoev told more about this to the Kabar News Agency.

The Director said that almost all technical issues are resolved, only the practical part remains.

“We have prepared a small workshop, where we plan to create a working prototype. The bus is designed for 70-80 km on one charge, while our local buses pass 62 km on one route. We would like to note that that we have provided summer and winter modes. The difference of our transport is that it will work on special batteries – a lithium-titanate battery and charge in just 6 minutes. Moreover, a gearless system will be installed in the vehicle, which means motors of 240 kW (120 kW each) will work directly with the wheels. Such a direct drive engine does not need lubrication and requires almost no maintenance,” Bakyt Kurmankojoev said.

The bus is designed for 40 seats and 20 standing places. All the work – the author, except the batteries. The manufacturers are still ordering them from China. As the director said, the goal of the idea was above all to avoid negative effect on ecology.

“In the future, when our product passes the test, we plan to present it at the state level. If it is approved and we get support, we will implement the project at the second stage –serial production. So far, we have not decided on the cost issue, but we are planning to enter the international market with neighboring countries and sell approximately at $ 150 thousand each. Electric buses made in China now cost about $ 300 thousand,” the Director said.