MAN Malaysia Offers eBus Electric Bus Chassis From 2023

MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) and Gemilang International Limited (GML) recently debuted the MAN eBus chassis in Malaysia for the first time.

The electric bus chassis was on display at the GML headquarters in Senai, Johor, during a special preview event for bus operators and government officials. MAN Malaysia will offer fully electric bus chassis with zero carbon emissions beginning in 2023, in addition to conventional chassis powered by Euro V engines.

The MAN eBus chassis is available in Malaysia as a low-floor (LF) two-axle vehicle appropriate for urban public transportation.

It is powered by a single-speed electric motor with a constant output of 160 kW and a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm. The MAN eBus chassis can travel up to 350 km on a single charge thanks to electricity supplied by either a 4-pack 320 kWh battery or a 6-pack 480 kWh battery using NMC (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt) technology.

Managing Director of MAN Malaysia, Andrew O'Brooks believes that the MAN eBus chassis, with its proven flexibility and performance, will be the ideal platform for Malaysian bus operators to transition to electro-mobility.

According to O'Brooks, MAN Malaysia intends to construct the MAN eBus chassis domestically in order to save costs.

"Through the local assembly programme (CKD), we expect electric buses to account for at least 20% of total MAN bus sales in Malaysia by 2026," he stated.

Meanwhile, Pang Chong Yong, Chairman and CEO of Gemilang International, expressed excitement over the arrival of the MAN eBus chassis in Malaysia.

"GML was one of the first firms in Southeast Asia to deploy electric buses, and we share MAN's goal of decreasing carbon emissions." We are committed to applying cutting-edge technology to provide the most robust, light, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective aluminium bus body for MAN chassis.

Aside from having a zero-emissions chassis, the production of a green concept bus body is equally crucial in generating an environmentally friendly vehicle as a whole. "We hope that by working together, we can lead Malaysia and the entire region to a cleaner, calmer, and safer future," he stated.

MAN Malaysia will also provide customer-specific 360° emobility consultancy services to businesses looking to transition to electric vehicles.

MAN Transport Solutions' exclusive services include all critical criteria for a successful transition, including range and usage study, network analysis, infrastructure design, charging and energy concept, transport fleet transfer, and services and training.