Electric buses are powered solely by batteries. They should not be confused with hybrid buses; which are powered both by batteries and either petrol or diesel engine that is activated after the bus has gone a certain distance. There are serious concerns around the world’s major cities today of existing diesel-powered buses causing poor air quality and resulting in other propulsion systems taking its place on the back of reducing natural resources.
Sync R&D Sdn Bhd, which has developed the Elektrik Bas Inovasi Malaysia (EBIM) program, has successfully delivered praise-worthy project management work in design, fabrication and helped both local and international companies become incredibly more successful than themselves.
Our EBIM is designed according to UNECE Regulations provided by Automotive Engineering Division of The Road Of Transport Department Malaysia, for Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) and TUV Certification. Following the requirements, our Test Department has done several major tests on our EBIM just to ensure that our Electric Bus meets the UNECE Requirement before it is being mass produced and used by the public.
The major tests are done either on road or in-house includes :
Tests | Description |
Bus Performance Endurance Test | To determine if the system can sustain the continuous expected load. The goal is to discover how the system behaves under sustained use. |
Functioning of ABS System | To demonstrate the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and all sub-system function. |
Deflection of Battery Frame | To measure deflection (if any) of front and rear battery enclosure to cross check with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) |
Relationship between Charging Rate & Temperature Rise in Module | To measure the temperature rise of the battery charged at maximum C capable by cells To demonstrate the relationship between charging rate and temperature rise in module. |
Vehicle Critical Dimensions | To measure the maximum body height, width and height including the first step height and ground clearance. |
Functioning of ECAS system | To demonstrate ECAS height adjustment are functioning correctly and kneeling function operation continuously without fail. |
Acceleration Test | To determine the time taken for acceleration from 0-20km/h, 0-50km/h, 0-60km/h
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These tests need to be done periodically over a period of time to achieve a comprehensive and accurate assessment data on our EBIM to enable us to go through certification and to achieve production quality.
Road to KL City
Today on the 25th of September 2016, the first time in Malaysian history, our home breed electric bus, EBIM made its first appearance to the public by making its very first long journey from Shah Alam to Kuala Lumpur City.
With the optimum speed of 65km/h and the capacity to carry 67 passengers, our EBIM successfully covered almost 70km journey to Kuala Lumpur City to be showcased for the first time in IGEM 2016 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and back to Shah Alam 3days later in a single charge.
This memorable journey marked another milestone for EBIM as our 12-metre city bus majestically cruised along the Federal Highway passing by a few landmarks that symbolize our National identity which accentuates to EBIM’s tagline, Built By Malaysians for Malaysians and The Environment.
It was a proud moment for Sync R&D and EBIM team to see their hard work and dedication pays off as EBIM made a successful journey to KL City.
Designed and built to comply with the UNECE regulation, this Malaysian-made electric city bus is in its final stage of TUV and JPJ Certification . Our hope is to get EBIM certified and soon it will be on the road to serve the Malaysian public commuters.