Saietta Group, specialists in high-tech advanced emobility propulsion, are intensifying an important overhaul operation to transform existing high polluting diesel-engine-powered buses and coaches into clean, sustainable and zero-emission vehicles.
Through its RetroMotion division, Saietta is equipped with the technical expertise, engineering experience and state-of-the-art propulsion systems and software to offer fleet operators an economical, effective and optimal solution to ‘electrify’ existing buses and coaches.
By working with the RetroMotion engineering team, bus and coach service providers can revitalise their ageing, polluting diesel-based fleet to a retrofit propulsion solution that is modern, all-electric, clean, silent-running and sustainable.
A real-world zero-emissions driving range of up to 217 miles (350km) is possible with the all-electric retrofit powertrain, depending on individual specification, application and vehicle size.
RetroMotion’s ambitious strategy is part of Saietta’s wider plans to ensure densely populated city centres become cleaner, greener and quieter living spaces.
Wicher Kist, Saietta CEO, said: “Saietta Group prides itself on being at the vanguard of emobility propulsion with the aim of democratising clean sustainable transportation around the globe and within every sector, from two-wheel scooters to compact passenger cars and right through to bus, coach and heavy goods vehicles.”
“We also understand that such important yet dramatic change – effectively replacing outdated internal combustion engines (ICEs) with new battery electric powertrains – can’t be successfully achieved overnight.
“That’s why we are stepping up the efforts of our RetroMotion engineering division. We want to give coach and bus operators an opportunity to transform their ageing and polluting fleet into a green mobility service that’s modern and clean.”
RetroMotion’s services mean fleet operators don’t have to make sudden and huge outlays on all-new electric vehicles. These important investments can be done incrementally thanks to the possibility of upgrading and extending the lifespan of existing buses and coaches, in the process also meeting upcoming tough legislation.
Delivery of RetroMotion’s first-generation e-axles to customers commenced in 2009. Since then, RetroMotion have developed a high-tech second-generation e-axle and e-powertrain solution.
In real-world bus applications running in European cities, the RetroMotion electrification tech package, both gen-one and gen-two developments, have proved both reliable and durable, having accumulated in total 3.2 million kilometres on-road usage so far.
RetroMotion in Action
The engineering team at RetroMotion offers an optimal and complete one-stop-shop retrofit package for existing diesel-powered coaches and buses. The powertrain conversion replaces the ageing diesel internal combustion engine and all its associated components, including the gearbox, with an advanced e-propulsion system.
This means that state-of-the-art, in-wheel electric motor technology is applied to the rear wheels of the coach or bus. Unlike other systems available on the market, RetroMotion’s solution is a true in-wheel arrangement and not ‘near-wheel’.
A twin-tyre solution with front mounted rims is used as part of the re-design to ensure the in-wheel motors fit seamlessly to the existing application. Critical systems such as the high-power inverter and motor components like the stator and rotor with permanent magnets are also installed as part of the transformation.
The electric motors and e-platform, branded TheWheel and TheMotion 2.0, have been designed in-house and offer a peak torque of up to 20,000Nm, with a 94 percent real-world efficiency level being realised from battery to wheel.
The elimination of a gearbox that was once mated to the diesel engine means that in the new all-electric powertrain setup, no energy is consumed by having to go through the gears or using a differential, further boosting real-world efficiency.
The Lithium-iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack is available in a range of power outputs to suit differing requirements, varying from 181kWh to 422kWh.
With the electric motors being an in-wheel setup, and the battery pack having been designed to meet optimum dimensions, the all-electric powertrain is compact and benefits from an ideal operating footprint size and weight in comparison to the diesel ICE and its associated subsystems. This means that both passenger and luggage capacity are minimally affected by the switchover.
A new visually engaging driver display unit has also been designed to further facilitate the transformation to all-electric operation. This provides the driver with clear and coherent data relating to the drivetrain, including real-time battery status.
Technology with Added Benefits
In addition to the primary benefit of powering a coach or bus with a high-tech, all-electric and zero-emissions powertrain, the RetroMotion engineering transformation also dramatically cuts road noise pollution with the elimination of rumbly, ageing and polluting diesel ICEs.
On the inside of the vehicle, the journey experience is substantially enhanced thanks to the silent drivetrain operation. This means that passengers have increased comfort and the driver benefits from a cabin that isn’t exposed to high noise, vibration and harshness levels.