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Superfast Superbus: The 23-seater bus can travel at 250kmph

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A design team from TU Delft University has unveiled a 15-feet-long , six-wheeled Superbus. The aerodynamic and luxurious Superbus, which on the first glance looks like a cross between the Batmobile and a very stretched limousine, can carry 23 passengers and travel at a speed of 250kmph.

The team, including former Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels, hopes their streamlined electric vehicle will bring fast, comfortable and sustainable public transport a step closer.

FAST AND FLEXIBLE

The Superbus travel concept combines high-speed travel with the flexibility of a car. The vehicle is similar to an average bus in length and breadth, but its low ground clearance and aerodynamic design make it extremely energy efficient.

This is helped by the chassis and bodywork of lightweight carbon fibre: the electric vehicle uses as much energy to travel at 250kmph as a normal bus travelling at 100kmph.

The Superbus also has two pairs of rear wheels that can turn independently , thereby reducing its turning radius.

"The strength to the concept is that the Superbus can drive everywhere where a normal bus can drive," the Daily Mail quoted Ockels as saying. "It has adjustable height, rear-wheel steering and a turning circle of roughly 10metres," he added.

FEELS LIKE A LIMOUSINE

The Superbus has a spacious, comfortable interior with extremely luxurious seating, so passengers have the sensation of being driven in a stretch limousine sportscar.

The sixteen gull-wing doors mean people can get in and out without disturbing their fellow passengers.

Passengers can order the bus via internet or text message. They then travel together with passengers who share more or less the same starting place and/or destination.

SUPERTRACK FOR A SUPERBUS

The Superbus is designed to use the normal road system and has no trouble coping with roundabouts. On motorways a seperate supertrack can be used to enable the bus to reach its high speeds.

Dynamic barriers allow the bus to enter or exit the supertrack every twenty kilometres.

The bus battery has a range of 200 kilometres and batteries can be exchanged in the special pitstops.

The Dutch Ministry of Transport compared the performance of the Superbus to those of a high-speed train and a Maglev train.

Their study showed that the Superbus is most popular among passengers and has the least environmental burden, as well as scoring highest in a cost-benefit analysis.

The project began in 2004 and has so far cost around 11.5 million pounds.


Article adopted from http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-15/news/29421896_1_passengers-high-speed-train-electric-vehicle

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