The public transport fleet of Santos City has recently added a new battery electric bus manufactured by CRRC Group, which marks the second vehicle of the same type in operation for the city's public transit system. With a full-charge range of up to 220 kilometers, the new bus is capable of all-day operation without the need for mid-shift recharging, perfectly suited to the daily commute demands of urban public transport.
This model represents CRRC's official foray into the Brazilian bus market, boasting a design that balances practicality with user-centric features. The bus has a standard seating capacity of 28 passengers, with a dedicated space for wheelchairs, and can accommodate up to 62 standing passengers. In terms of accessibility, it adopts a low-floor (low-entry) design, is equipped with a manual ramp at the middle door, and features an ECAS kneeling suspension system. Additionally, the bus comes fitted with an electric air conditioning system for enhanced passenger comfort.
Prior to this, CRRC had focused primarily on the rail transit sector in Brazil, securing major contracts such as metro projects in São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. This entry into the urban bus market constitutes a pivotal step in the company's business diversification strategy.
The Brazilian electric bus market is experiencing rapid growth: São Paulo alone has deployed over 1,000 electric buses, most of which are from local or European brands including BYD, Eletra and Mercedes-Benz. Leveraging its competitive pricing, mature technologies and robust supply chain, CRRC has successfully carved out a niche in this burgeoning market.