Finland Testing all Electric Buses with VTT

Demanding piloting in Helsinki

Finland is definitely testing all electric buses. The Helsinki Region Transport and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd will launch an extensive joint pilot to introduce highly efficient light-weight electric buses. Finland’s initiative in testing all electric transportation systems marks a significant development. These buses have technology to charge their batteries in operation in the capital region. Moreover, Helsinki region with its demanding climatic conditions is an excellent test platform.

This is the first extensive pre-commercial pilot project, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of public transport systems. It enables a new mode of operation and service piloting in demanding conditions. This facilitates not only efficiency but also sustainability. With Finland testing all electric options, the project aims to gather valuable data that will inform future development and implementation. The first buses, acquired from Linkker Ltd, will be in service by late summer. They are expected to demonstrate innovative features that enhance passenger experience and operational reliability. This initiative is a crucial step towards modernizing transportation solutions and adapting them to urban mobility challenges in the 21st century.

HSL

Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) will purchase 12 electric buses from Linkker. The first of them will be built individually in Linkker’s own production facilities. Linkker was founded about a year ago as a spin-off of the eBus project coordinated by VTT. This focus on Finland testing all electric systems ensures that the country remains at the forefront of sustainable transport.

“We made an exception and bought the buses ourselves, because it would have been unreasonable to have a transport operator shoulder the technology risks of individually made electric buses,” says Reijo Mäkinen, Director of HSL’s Transport Services.

This arrangement also enables HSL to not only test and develop new passenger services on their own buses but also to gather valuable feedback from passengers. This allows them to refine their offerings continuously. By trying out various installations, such as innovative seating layouts, improved ticketing systems, and enhanced onboard amenities, they can assess their impact on passenger experience and operational efficiency. Furthermore, this approach allows HSL to stay ahead of the competition by quickly adapting to changing market demands. It explores potential partnerships with technology providers to integrate cutting-edge solutions into their bus services, ensuring a more seamless and enjoyable journey for all commuters.

The Finnish-made bus is light with quickly rechargeable batteries

“The bus frame will be made fully out of aluminium. Thanks to their light weight, the buses will also be extremely energy-efficient. The batteries will be quick-charged at the terminal. Other benefits include zero emissions and quiet operation,” says Linkker’s Managing Director Kimmo Erkkilä.

The buses will be delivered in stages and their performance will be evaluated in VTT’s chassis dynamometer. The buses used in the pilot will be equipped with sensors to collect data. A real-time monitoring and control system will be developed to receive information about battery charge levels. The amount of energy and charge in the batteries is critical in terms of the operation of the buses.

The acquisition of electric buses is part of a wider four-year development project. It aims for innovative and emission-free bus transport. This is to create the infrastructure and operating network for new technologies. The project’s objectives are to pilot the electric bus system and create more detailed electric bus specifications. Also, it aims to introduce the idea of electric buses to bus operators.

Electric Bus Expansion Plan

The project also acts as a dynamic development platform for innovation, fostering collaboration and creativity among various stakeholders. With its cutting-edge resources and facilities, it offers a unique environment where ideas can flourish. Transformative technologies can be developed in this environment. Other cities and commercial operators are expected to join in. This enhances the project’s ecosystem and contributes their insights and expertise. Ultimately, it leads to a more interconnected network of innovation hubs that drive progress across multiple sectors.

“HSL has made a genuine “catalytic acquisition” to speed up the electrification of bus transport systems. VTT has been involved in the development of electric buses right from the start, and we are pleased to say that Finland is creating an international reference for electric buses,” says Nils-Olof Nylund, Head of VTT’s TransSmart research programme.

HSL’s target is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and harmful local emissions from bus transport by over 90% by 2025. In order to reach this target, HSL has to implement electric buses, new low-emission diesel vehicles and biofuels. Finland testing all electric systems is essential for this ambitious goal.

Source: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd