BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT
During Latbus 2024 in São Paulo, Volare unveiled its Attack 9 HVE, Brazil’s pioneering ethanol hybrid minibus. The project is being developed by Volare, a division of the Marcopolo group, in collaboration with Horse and WEG. Although presented in 2024, the official market release is scheduled for 2026.
The vehicle is powered by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder ethanol engine supplied by Horse, which also functions as an electric generator. This generator supplies energy to recharge the batteries of WEG’s electric drive system. The internal combustion engine operates for only one-third of the vehicle’s total operational time, maintaining an optimal rotational speed of approximately 3,000 rpm.
The design minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics, enhancing passenger comfort while reducing operational stress on vehicle components. The powertrain is complemented by a four-speed automated transmission and it is equipped with a tri-battery system delivering a combined output of up to 100 kWh, which supports a maximum range of 500 kilometers. The vehicle configuration options will accommodate around 30 passengers.
Additionally, the adoption of this ethanol hybrid technology enables transportation companies to accrue carbon credits, promoting environmental sustainability.
Source: Estradao Read The Article
PSR Analysis: This is an important step for Horse as an independent Engine and Powertrain supplier and for Marcopolo and Volare as suppliers with alternative propulsion design responsible. Carbon Credits will be possible by the well-to-wheel calculation under the MOVER program regulated by Brazilian authorities.
Fabio Ferraresi, is Director-Business Development South America for Power Systems Research
