Belarus – Truck and bus builder, Minsk Auto Plant (MAZ) based in the capital of Belarus, Minsk has unveiled its first prototype of an electric bus, MAZ-303E10 featuring ZF’s central drive motor, CeTrax. The name makes it clear that it is based on the latest (third) generation of low-floor city bus, the MAZ-303, and utilizes both the body and chassis of the 12.5m diesel bus variant, MAZ-303.266. (The latter is equipped with the 7.7-litre MB OM 936 299hp diesel engine (Euro-6) from Mercedes-Benz, matched with six-speed automatic gearbox, portal drive axle and independent front suspension from ZF).

MAZ says its development of this electric prototype model did not take much time as development of the third-generation diesel MAZ-300 model had always been with the intention of building an electric version alongside. MAZ said to make the electric version as compatible with its diesel equivalent and to also reduce cost and to remain as cost compatible as possible, it chose to opt for a central motor, the ZF CeTrax, rather than using an electric portal axle with electric wheels hub motors. MAZ is the second OEM to announce its use since Solaris’ inauguration of the electric motor. The 300kW electric motor is powered using LiFePO 285kWh batteries, which are mounted in groups on the roof and in the engine compartment. A range of up to 300km is available, however, this could be less depending on duty city and temperature requirements.