The Azure A12 BR electric bus, from China’s TEVX Higer, has started operating in the South Zone of São Paulo. The vehicle has been put into use by Transwolff. According to the company, the 12-meter-long vehicle was made especially for the Brazilian market. It has a low floor and a suspension “kneeling” system. This feature provides more safety, comfort, and ease when boarding and disembarking passengers.
The bus has wide aisles and an access ramp at the central door. Thus, there is more accessibility for people with special needs related to reduced mobility.
The bus has a range of 270 km and the capacity to carry up to 85 passengers. Its recharge time is four hours. With more than 9,000 units in circulation in 138 countries, the Azure A12 BR is undergoing its second set of tests in São Paulo and will soon arrive in the city.
In addition to São Paulo, the city of Cascavel, in Paraná, also has buses from the Chinese company TEVX Higer in its fleet. In May, the city signed a contract for the acquisition of 15 vehicles. It was the first contract in Brazil for the purchase of electric buses of this brand, with a contract of R$ 43 Million, about US$ 9 Million.
Source: Estradão Read The Article
PSR Analysis: Higer is another OEM looking to supply vehicles to bus operators in São Paulo city, which is expected to buy 2,400 BEV bus for 2024, but it will face well-established competition from Mercedes and BYD. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development South America for Power Systems Research
