Ebusco 3.0

Ebusco 3.0 – a lightweight bus with full composite body designed in collaboration with KesselsGranger DesignWorks

Redefining the world of public transportation
Designed in collaboration with KesselsGranger, the Ebusco 3.0 has a revolutionary composite chassis and body structure, developed by a multifunctional team of key experts, who have earned their spurs in the field of aerospace, automotive and electronics. The use of composites such as carbon fibre has resulted in a weight reduction of 33% over conventional steel and aluminium buses. As partner of the 3.0 development programme, KesselsGranger DesignWorks is responsible for the exterior body design and interior design, including concept design and Class A surfacing.

Exterior
With its advanced lightweight construction, the exterior design called for a pure and unique aesthetic. The body shape has been determined by the curvature of the carbon fibre space frame that, alongside the increase in strength, results in elegantly curved sides that also reduce the bulk of the windows and roof section.

The styling differentiates the 3.0 from the Ebusco 2.2 steel bodied range (also designed in collaboration with KesselsGranger), whilst evolving recognisable Ebusco elements such as the wraparound signature line and headlight modules.

The styling incorporates a wing-shaped theme that embraces the front and sides, suggesting the lightweight, aerospace-inspired character of the bus. The wraparound windows provide a floating roof and the frontal glass area has been optically continued into the fascia with gloss black surfaces.

At the sides there is a unique character line surfaced into the lower sacrificial panels, which visually lightens the panelling with a constructive shape. This styling treatment also expresses the advanced battery technology that has been completely packaged within the low floor chassis.

The spoiler set and aerodynamic upgrade has been developed to be as low as possible, which has been enabled due to the limited amount of roof-mounted components.

The rear is highly surfaced compared to conventional 12m buses. The main character elements include a large wraparound rear window and a diffusor inspired lower section. The rear surfacing continues up into the rear spoiler that also incorporates a full LED lighting package.

Technically the exterior is furthermore enhanced by the use of Orlaco cameras instead of traditional mirrors, the latest technology in Ventura doors resulting in reduced rubber profiles and single Bridgestone rear tyres.

Interior
The interior brings the layout and finish of production buses to a new level. The floor is fully lowered, whereas the space between the wheel arches is generous. Great care has been applied to the design of the dedicated interior components.

The curved dashboard and drivers cabin incorporate the latest Continental digital display modules. The dashboard itself includes a separate top section, and trim lines that can be colour coded for an individual appearance.

The interior wheel arches have been sculpted to include character lines and the service hatches are fully integrated into the design. Attention has been applied to the integration of the floor parts and warning strips on the wheel arches.

The roof ducts are made from aluminium extrusions, further reducing weight and increasing quality. These ducts include full-length indirect and direct lighting for an optimal ambience.

For the prototype that Ebusco presented in October 2019, a yacht-inspired Esthec composite floor has been developed with a unique pattern. The inlaid styling stripes, symbols and logos are fluorescent, adding to the ambience and safety of the interior in a subtle manner.

Thanks to the collaboration with our partner KesselsGranger DesignWorks, who has worked with us from the beginning, we have been able to design this bus in such a way that it stands out from all the others.

Ebusco BV