The latest Van Hool Exqui.City features the new-generation FPT Industrial
Cursor 9 NG engine, delivering maximum power of 221 kW at 2,000 rpm, and torque
of 1,300 Nm at 1,000 rpm. The Brand’s six-cylinder engine delivers reliability and an
extended product lifecycle to the hybrid trambus, which commenced service in the
municipality of Nimes, France, on January 6.
At the heart of the Exqui.City is its multi-propulsion platform, which is designed to
accommodate the latest and greenest alternative propulsion technologies. With this
flexible platform, Van Hool confirms its experience in integrating new, more efficient
and reliable technologies. City characteristics and topography are important factors
that influence vehicle motorization. For Nimes, the hybrid NG/electric combination has
been deemed the optimum solution.
FPT Industrial Cursor 9 NG engines for Van Hool feature ‘Start & Stop’, a technology that
turns off the thermal engine when the vehicle approaches the bus stop. This reduces noise
and gas exhaustion, bringing more comfort to the passengers. Once the passengers have
boarded, the engine restarts, charging the electric batteries for traction.
FPT Industrial has already sold 10 Cursor 9 NG engines to Van Hool, with a further six
planned to complete the tender. In January, the 10 trambuses, each of which measuring
24 meters in length, began operating a 20-minute service along the T2 line between
Nîmes railway station and Carémeau CHU (the city’s hospital). Ultimately, it is
estimated that around 25,000 people will use the shuttle every day.
Natural Gas is currently the most viable and low-cost sustainable solution for
vehicles of this type; FPT Industrial leads the segment with some 50,000 engines
sold worldwide. The Brand’s NG engines significantly reduce CO2 emissions, in
both compressed and liquefied form. The engines can also run on biomethane, bringing
emissions down to almost zero.
The Cursor 9 NG uses stoichiometric combustion and multipoint sequential injection,
ensuring best-in-class fuel consumption. To comply with Euro VI emissions
standards, the engine relies on a simple three-way catalyst, without EGR (exhaust gas
recirculation).
