VKTR Prepares Electric Bus To Serve Greater Bandung Residents, Here's What It Looks Like

JAKARTA - PT VKTR Mobilitas Technology/VKTR, a subsidiary of PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk (BNBR), plans to provide a medium size electric bus type “C6” as a public transportation bus rapid transit/BRT transportation system in the Greater Bandung area.

"This type was chosen mainly to match the size of the bus with the condition of the average road width in the area," said President Director of PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas, Gilarsi W. Setijono in a written statement quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 23.

After the launch of the collaboration between VKTR and PT Jasa Sarana, in Bandung, Tuesday (23/8/2022), he said, VKTR was also at the forefront to support and be part of the West Java Provincial Government's big steps in the BRT development project, in particular for electrification of public transportation in Greater Bandung.

According to Gilarsi, the BYD type C6 bus is suitable for road conditions in most areas of Greater Bandung because it has dimensions of 7,403 mm in length, 2,100 mm in width and 2,926 mm in height. With these dimensions, this bus has a configuration of 26 fixed seats consisting of 25 passenger seats and 1 driver seat.

In terms of performance, this medium electric bus is equipped with an AC Synchronous type electric motor engine capable of producing 180 kW of power and a maximum torque of 1,500 Nm. This machine is powered by an iron-phosphate type battery with a capacity of 135 kWh.

"To fully charge the battery, it takes approximately 4 hours, provided the battery is filled with charging power which has an output of 40 kW," he said.

Gilarsi said the bus, which weighs approximately 9.5 tons, is capable of carrying a load of 6.8 tons. With a maximum speed of 100 km per hour, this bus is suitable for the winding and hilly terrain of the road in Bandung Raya.

The electric bus is planned to operate in the Greater Bandung area, which includes Bandung City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency, Cimahi City, and parts of Sumedang Regency.

"This collaboration will include conducting a feasibility study, data collection, procurement of electric bus facilities, and electrical infrastructure related to bus electrification, and other potentials that can be synergized and collaborated," said Gilarsi.

President Director of PT Jasa Sarana, Indrawan Sumantri, said that since being appointed last year by the Governor of West Java to carry out the BRT project, his party has continuously conducted studies and opportunities for collaboration with many parties.

"Electrification of BRT transportation in the Greater Bandung area is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, and create a special attraction for the community," said Indrawan.