How do the electric buses in Lithuania withstand the cold and snow?

  • How do the electric buses in Lithuania withstand the cold and snow?


    How Do Electric Buses in Lithuania Handle Cold and Snow? 

    Electric buses in Lithuania are no longer a novelty. The company "Vilniaus viešasis transportas" operates five "Karsan Jest" buses, and Tauragė bus depot operates three – one "Solaris" and two IVECO buses. Additionally, more passenger transport manufacturers are offering electric buses for testing by domestic operators.

    Recently, heavy snow and freezing temperatures in Lithuania have tested the performance of electric vehicles in winter conditions. Bus depot managers operating electric buses and the specialists who manufacture their equipment have shared their insights.

     

    No Major Issues

    According to the managers of companies operating the buses, electric buses have continued running even during cold spells. "No major problems with the electric buses in our company," commented Rimantas Markauskas, General Director of "Vilniaus viešasis transportas."

    Rimantas Martinavičius, Director of Tauragė bus depot, stated that all three buses – one "Solaris" and two IVECO models – operated without interruptions during the cold weather. "There were minor technical issues, but none were related to the cold. Once, a bus could not start its route because the battery did not charge overnight. Perhaps the power supply voltage unexpectedly dropped during the night, leaving the bus with uncharged batteries," he explained.

    According to Martinavičius, electric buses performed even better than diesel ones. In the city, they cover up to 170 kilometers daily, even in freezing conditions. "The 'Solaris' bus faces more challenges because its heat pump operates on the battery, consuming additional energy for cabin heating. As a result, the bus needs extra charging to operate all day in the city. We assign the 'Solaris' to shorter routes or those with charging points available. We plan to install fast charging stations soon, with funding allocated and the project nearing completion," Martinavičius added.

    He noted that IVECO buses performed better because they have diesel heating systems. However, these buses also consumed about 10% more energy than usual. "It's essential to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin for passengers," emphasized Martinavičius.

    Despite some winter limitations, the director views electric buses positively. Two additional electric buses will soon join the fleet, with the procurement process already completed. Later, Tauragė plans to purchase four more electric buses, making the entire city fleet electric. Plans include implementing an electronic ticketing system, passenger information displays, and more.

     

    Specialist Insights and Recommendations

    Laurynas Jokužis, the head of "Elinta Motors," whose electrical equipment is installed in Tauragė's IVECO buses, stated that the company has equipped approximately 100 vehicles (up to 7 tons) with their systems, from Lofoten in Norway to southern Germany, and monitors them continuously. "In southern Europe, there are no significant changes during winter, but in northern regions, energy consumption increases. All buses delivered to northern areas are equipped with diesel heating systems, consuming only 0.5–0.8 liters of diesel per hour for heating," he said.

    According to him, even with these systems, buses consume more electricity during cold weather. In Tauragė, the average energy consumption in November was 470 kWh/km, increasing to 510 kWh/km in December and 650 kWh/km by late January. "Energy use is influenced by snow on the road, reduced tire pressure, and other factors such as stiffened lubricants or gears," Jokužis explained.

    The IVECO buses are equipped with battery heaters that warm the batteries overnight during charging, ensuring smooth morning starts.

    When asked about the best battery charging method for countries with subzero winter temperatures, Jokužis recommended buses with stationary charging systems and sufficiently large batteries to cover longer distances. "This simplifies route planning and requires less investment in infrastructure. Today, some large buses can travel up to 300 kilometers on a single charge. In my opinion, pantograph charging is not 100% reliable," he emphasized.

     

    At the end of January, the company "Kautra" in Alytus had the opportunity to test an electric "Yutong" bus. However, the trials were not completed due to a technical malfunction unrelated to the electrical system.

    The number of electric buses in Lithuania is expected to increase soon, as several smaller bus depots plan to purchase them using EU funds. 

    Lina Jakubauskienė 

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