MAN deliveres First eBus to Golden Arrow Bus Services in South Africa

Munich, Germany- MAN Truck & Bus SE., aims to enhance city traffic safety, reduce noise, and promote cleanliness. They've achieved a milestone by delivering the first all-electric bus in Cape Town, the Lion's Explorer E. It's based on the new Lion's Chassis E, set for production in 2024. Unlike in Europe, where MAN sells complete buses, they mainly provide chassis globally, assembled into buses by certified manufacturers. But with the Lion's Explorer E, MAN not only supplied the chassis but also customized the body to meet customer and market needs.

Mr. Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, said that, Handing over a new vehicle or technology to a customer is always special, especially when it contributes to greener mobility. Alexander Vlaskamp, along with Barbaros Oktay and Jan Aichinger, handed over the first Lion's Explorer E, MAN's first eBus outside Europe, to Golden Arrow Bus Services in South Africa. Golden Arrow Bus Services plans to test it in Cape Town as part of their fleet conversion from diesel to electric buses.

Partnerships with like-minded companies are crucial for progress. Alexander Vlaskamp says CO2-free driving is central to MAN's strategy. Handing over the MAN Lion's Explorer E is a milestone, as they aim to transition from low to no emissions. They're committed to electric mobility in the city bus segment in Europe with the Lion's City E and globally with the Lion's Chassis E. Their commitment to sustainable mobility extends beyond Europe.

Mr. Jan Aichinger, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus South Africa, said that, MAN not only provided the chassis but also customized the body for GABS' eBus. This was done at the MAN Bus plant in Olifantsfontein, South Africa. The electric high-floor chassis assembly was done in collaboration with the sustainable MAN site in Pinetown. This innovative approach resulted in the first electric city bus developed and built in South Africa, aligning with the customer's zero-emission goals.

The Lion's Explorer E will provide safe, comfortable, and emission-free transportation in Cape Town. Feedback from the ongoing test operation will drive vehicle improvements. It's equipped with four 80 kWh lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt battery packs, totaling 320 kWh. The integrated electric motor can deliver up to 240 kW, ensuring ample power for South African roads.

Mr. Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, said that, The MAN Lion's Explorer 12 E is unique because it was designed for South African use and is entirely manufactured there. This approach ensures that the eBus aligns with local transport company needs and integrates seamlessly into existing processes. This move is expected to boost electromobility significantly in South Africa.

MAN Truck & Bus aims to maintain its 45% market share in South Africa's bus market with electric vehicles like the Lion's Explorer E. They emphasize the need for innovative, range-competitive, and market-tailored solutions to achieve this goal. Their success in Europe with the Lion's City E is a benchmark, with over 1,000 units produced

The Lion's Chassis E is a key global electric bus solution by MAN. It offers a foundation for electric models worldwide, supporting zero-emission solutions like in South Africa. Initially, it's a two-axle low-floor truck, with high-floor versions to come. It accommodates both left-hand and right-hand drive. It's based on Lion's City E technology and will enter series production in 2024 at MAN's Polish plant in Starachowice. Demo buses will be introduced in markets outside Europe.

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