Ikarus 80e continues its international test tour in Ljubljana

The all-electric Ikarus 80e midibus prototype is now being tested in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, by the local transport company Ljubljanski potniški promet (LPP). Measuring over 8.5 meters in length, this entry-level model is a key part of Ikarus’s strategy to expand into targeted export markets, which appear to include the South Slavic states. After debuting at the Busworld Europe 2023 exhibition in Brussels, the prototype was showcased in Belgrade this September, in addition to domestic test runs.

The electric midibus, already well-known to the local bus industry, traveled the approximately 400 kilometers from Székesfehérvár to Ljubljana under its own power, requiring only a single intermediate charge. Unlike its appearance in Belgrade, the vehicle is now actively transporting passengers in Ljubljana, operating on the LPP network’s 21D and 22 routes. Reports suggest that the transport company has become quite fond of the small Ikarus, extending its stay in Ljubljana beyond the initial plan. This could be promising for LPP’s future electric bus acquisitions.

As previously detailed, the electric midibus accommodates 18 seated and 37 standing passengers. It’s powered by a CRRC-sourced electric motor with a continuous output of 100 kW and a peak output of 170 kW. Energy is provided by a 282 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) traction battery pack located on the roof. Supplied by CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, these storage units allow the bus to travel approximately 300 kilometers on a single charge. One of the 80e’s advantages over most competitors is its fully low-floor passenger area, thanks to GK Drive-manufactured axles. The bus’s exterior design, initially seen on the current prototype in Ljubljana, has been updated to match the latest V4 version of the larger Ikarus 120e electric bus. This refreshed design was unveiled at the InnoTrans 2024 exhibition in Berlin this September.

According to a summary from the Slovenian portal s.avtomoto, on its first test day in Ljubljana, the bus started with a 96% battery charge and dropped to 53% after covering 132 kilometers. The following day, it began at 100% and was run down to 18%, traveling 282 kilometers in city traffic, although with only 243 stops instead of the usual 378. This resulted in an energy consumption of 1 kWh/km on the first day and 0.76 kWh/km on the second. Notably, the prototype tested in Ljubljana lacks a diesel auxiliary heater, ensuring zero emissions under all conditions, but requiring careful range management in cold weather since the heating also draws from the traction batteries.

Photos: Ikarus Bus & Coach