EN 
PT_BR 
The Government of Goiás, through Metrobus and Enel X, presented this Monday (17) in the Serra Dourada Stadium parking lot, an electric 100% articulated bus.
The vehicle, which will be produced by BYD, will be tested for a month in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of its use on the Anhanguera Axis lines and, subsequently, modernize the urban fleet with electrified models.
During the tests, the operational maintenance indicators for this type of vehicle will be analyzed and how the electronic system works in the characteristics of the route on the Anhanguera Axis line and its extensions.
Furthermore, the evaluation period will be an opportunity to check the car's autonomy, charging time, operating costs, carry out internal training and learn about the possible challenges of an electric fleet. At first, the articulated bus will not be tested with passengers.
Carlos Eduardo Cardoso, director of Enel X, explains that the electrification of the urban mobility sector is a growing and irreversible trend. “This is the first electric bus that we bring to Goiás, and for Enel X it is a great privilege to participate in this historic landmark in the state.”
For him, urban electric mobility is fundamental for the development of smart cities, which integrate sustainability and connectivity to serve the well-being and quality of life of the population.
According to Enel X, an expression of interest was presented to the State Government, through Metrobus, to modernize the bus fleet by transforming it into EVs (electric vehicles).
The companies Marcopolo and Urbi Mobilidade Urbana are part of this study with the consultants Tauil Checker and Radar PPP, led by Enel X. The pilot project will contribute to evaluating the quality and benefits of the electric bus for citizens.
According to Francisco Caldas, president of Metrobus, the test is a government effort to improve public transport in the metropolitan region of Goiânia with greater quality and efficiency and in the search for a more sustainable city.
“It is a model that improves air quality, reduces respiratory diseases and modernizes public transport. The user will notice that it is a more comfortable vehicle, starting with the reduction of noise emissions, with air conditioning, among many other benefits”, he commented.
At the end of the 30-day period, it will be possible to compare the electric bus with the traditional vehicle, powered by diesel oil, for a clearer perception of the economic and environmental sustainability benefits.
With approval, the expectation is that a process will be carried out so that the entire Metrobus fleet can be replaced by EVs, with the first units arriving in 2022.
Articulated bus specifications
The electric vehicle being tested is the D9W model from manufacturer BYD with a Marcopolo body. The range is at least 250 km, with up to five hours to recharge the iron phosphate battery.
Furthermore, the bus is a 23 meter long articulated bus with capacity to transport 170 passengers. Its energy consumption, according to BYD, is equivalent to 1.2 kWh/km, with lower operating and maintenance costs than a conventional vehicle. The electric motors are built into the rear axle wheels, are silent and do not emit pollutants.
