Efficiency meets engineering: New BMC electric bus with KIEPE technology sets standards in E-SORT test

As an engineering partner to Turkish vehicle manufacturer and customer BMC, KIEPE supplies key components for the newly developed, fully electric Procity+ 12 EV. In the standardized E-SORT test cycle, the e-bus is already among the most efficient in its class. With an electric range of up to 490 km, a maximum charging power of 400 kW, and a battery capacity of up to 434 kWh, the vehicle also sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and everyday usability. The BMC Procity+ 12 EV will celebrate its market premiere in Europe in the summer of 2025 with a roadshow for potential customers in public transport.

At the heart of the drive technology is the KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI), which controls the electric drive precisely and powerfully. The system is complemented by KIEPE's Energy Control Unit (ECU), which significantly reduces overall energy consumption through intelligent control of auxiliary units such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). This combination of system expertise and innovative hardware contributes significantly to the vehicle's high efficiency.

The bus underwent comprehensive E-SORT testing at the Applus+ IDIADA test center in Spain – a test cycle developed by UITP that measures energy consumption under realistic conditions. The test simulates various driving profiles in urban, mixed, and suburban environments. The result: the bus achieved a top position in its category and impressed with its particularly low energy consumption.

The KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI) has an input voltage of 500 V to 800 V DC and a maximum continuous output current of 350 Arms per phase with an efficiency of approx. 98%. It is compact, easy to install, and meets the safety requirements of ISO 26262 (ASIL-C, automotive standard).

Technical highlights of the ProCity+ 12 EV

• Electric range: 410 to 490 km
• Battery capacity: 362 to 434 kWh
• Depot charging (CCS-2): up to 240 kW – charging time 1.5 to 2 hours
• Opportunity charging (Schunk pantograph bottom-up): up to 400 kW – charging time approx. 1 hour

Functions & equipment

• One-pedal drive
• Regenerative braking
• Time-controlled preconditioning
• Kiepe Smart Fleet Management: vehicle monitoring, battery diagnosis, AI charging management
• VDV-compatible driver's seat

With this customer project, KIEPE once again demonstrates how precise engineering and intelligent energy management can set new standards in e-mobility.