Iveco Bus, a brand under the umbrella of Iveco Group, recently unveiled its new Prototype & Testing Centre at its Vysoké Mýto facility in the Czech Republic. The grand opening ceremony, which took place on 27th May, was graced by the presence of Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, as well as other esteemed guests and members of the media.
This state-of-the-art centre is designed to accommodate a wide range of energy sources, including natural gas, battery electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Spanning an impressive 4,100m² across two floors, the facility has effectively doubled its workspace capacity and can house prototypes measuring up to 18 meters in length.
The construction of this cutting-edge centre was completed within a span of 18 months, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the Iveco Group. The facility boasts 12 workstations equipped with overhead platforms for easy access to vehicle rooftops, a thermal chamber capable of reaching temperatures of 50°C for climate comfort testing, and preparation areas for a variety of vehicle tests.
These tests encompass internal and external noise measurements, vibration tests, road behavior analyses, and evaluations of energy consumption. Beyond testing, the centre also features specialized areas for machining, manufacturing, and assembling metal subassemblies, as well as producing and bonding wooden parts like floors, and 3D printing capabilities.
With a workforce of over 50 employees, including 20 engineers, the centre is committed to enhancing its training programs by 25% this year to ensure that the team is well-versed in the latest energy technologies. The facility collaborates closely with other research facilities within the manufacturer’s network, such as the E-BENCH in Vénissieux and the Turin centre, to conduct validation tests that may not be feasible at the Vysoké Mýto location.
David Kříž, the Managing Director of Iveco Czech Republic, emphasized the strategic importance of the new Prototype & Testing Centre, stating, “This new Prototype & Testing Centre in Vysoké Mýto is of strategic importance for the development of future vehicle models equipped with the latest technologies, regardless of the propulsion energy.”
In a significant milestone for the company, Iveco Bus recently secured an order from the BusGruppe purchasing group in Germany for 580 electric and hybrid buses over the next five years. This order includes up to 200 12m crossway low entry Elec buses and 50 articulated E-way electric buses, all equipped with high-energy-density 69.3kWh NMC battery packs boasting an energy density of 180Wh/kg.
The inauguration of the Prototype & Testing Centre marks a pivotal moment for Iveco Bus, showcasing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement in the realm of public transportation.
