PVI's WATT System powers electric buses ahead to UITP

PVI (or Power Vehicle Innovation) will present WATT System at the UITP World Congress and Exhibition (Stand 4C450). WATT System is an innovative solution for a zero-emission urban bus service, which ensures that the mass-transit electric vehicles have unlimited range, thanks to PVI's technology.

The company will unveil detailed information concerning its novel solutions at the trade show, which has been organised by the International Association of Public Transport and will take place from 26 to 30 May of this year in Geneva (Switzerland).

PVI has more than 20 years' experience in producing mass-transit vehicles, especially electric urban mini-buses and medium-size buses. The company's success is illustrated by the fact that it has supplied 90% of electric buses in France. PVI has now developed WATT System — a solution for urban bus networks based on a 100% electric drivetrain.

This solution does not require the setting-up of dedicated bus lanes, the installation of overhead power lines, the construction of electrical sub-stations, or the implementation of extensive roadworks. The energy-transfer mechanism is integrated into the existing urban environment and will either be placed next to, or be a part of, the bus stop. WATT System's integrated supercapacitors and ultracapacitors are powered by the low-voltage electrical grid already available in urban areas.

With WATT System, a standard bus fitted with an electric motor will quickly and automatically recharge at each bus stop, while passengers enter and exit the vehicle. The bus is also fitted with a backup battery pack and, therefore, benefits from an unlimited range under normal operating conditions.

Thanks to WATT System, PVI can offer major technological advances to bus operators as the specialist company' solution is easy to implement across existing bus lines and may be integrated into standard vehicles that are already in service.

As compared to diesel or gas-powered buses, WATT System offers considerable advantages for the environment and the community. With WATT System, there are no emissions of regulated pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC). Besides, there are no particle emissions with WATT System, and there is extremely low noise pollution for passengers, pedestrians, and the surrounding neighbourhood.

WATT System will considerably reduce the carbon footprint of public-transport operators. By integrating the WATT System solution into a bus line, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by between 800 and 1,200 tonnes each year, while using 400,000 fewer litres of diesel.

The key strengths of WATT System include the use of quiet and pollution-free buses, an easy-to-implement solution, and an economic model that carries no extra costs for the operator.

The first vehicle fitted with WATT System will be operational in France in the fourth quarter of 2013, and large-scale deliveries worldwide are expected to start in 2016.

About PVI

Based in Tournan, East of Paris (France), PVI (or Power Vehicle Innovation) has been designing and manufacturing 100% electric heavy-duty vehicles for urban applications and implementing optimized transport solutions for over 20 years.

PVI will unveil WATT System at the UITP World Congress and Exhibition, which is organised by the International Association of Public Transport. The company will be on Stand 4C450 at the trade fair, between 26 and 30 May 2013, in Geneva (Switzerland).

For further information about the trade show, please go to: http://www.uitpgeneva2013.org/

For further information about the company, please go to: www.pvi.fr

For further information, please contact :
Quote ref. : FTPB3855
Ms Katherine WOODS – Press Officer
UBIFRANCE Press Office in London
Tel: +44 (0) 207 024 3640
katherine.woods@ubifrance.fr