First electric bus inspired by tram design arrives in Chile and positions the country as a global laboratory for new technologies

In the context of the upcoming RED tender processes, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Gloria Hutt and Transportation Undersecretary José Luis Domínguez, Las Condes Mayor Joaquín Lavín and DTPM Director Fernando Saka presented the electric Aptis bus that will be tested for two months in the Metropolitan Region public transportation fleet.

This prototype is the first electric bus made by the French firm Alstom. It will be used in the city beginning on May 18 on Redbus’ C20 route. The route will operate daily in Las Condes during off peak hours, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will run from Escuela Militar to Parque Araucano using major arteries such as Américo Vespucio, Talaveras, Kennedy and Cerro Colorado.

“We are delighted that companies are investing in public transportation in Santiago. This is reflected in their interest in testing different technologies in our city, which is becoming a global laboratory for electromobility. In addition to being electric, the bus that we are unveiling today has a design that allows for increased maneuverability, a more spacious interior and greater exterior visibility. All of this directly benefits the users, who will enjoy a superior standard of comfort and safety,” stated Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Gloria Hutt. She explained that Santiago is the first city outside of Europe to pilot the Aptis, which has been tested in France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

One of the advantages of the Aptis is that it offers the comfort –and appearance- of a metro car in a bus, improving the travel experience. It is spacious and provides universal accessibility and panoramic views because it has 20% more glass surface area.

The French vehicle also has an automated control system at stops that allows Aptis to align perfectly with the sidewalk, facilitating passenger flow and ensuring accessibility for all, especially users in wheelchairs. This also decreases stop times and increases commercial speed.

In addition, its four steerable wheels (compared to two on a normal bus) reduce the surface area required to maneuver on a curve (25% less), as they can turn 180 degrees. This provides greater stability and safety when turning and improves maneuverability for the driver.

The bus that has come to Santiago can run autonomously for 120 kilometers, but the mass-produced version will be able to travel up to 250 kilometers on its own and will charge overnight.

“We have chosen Chile as the first country outside of Europe to have Aptis on its streets. We are really pleased that Chileans will be able to enjoy all of the advantages of one of the most innovative electric buses in the world. In the future, we would love to have many Aptis units circulating on Santiago’s streets and in other cities in Chile and elsewhere in Latin America. The vehicle is clean, efficient and inclusive and also has low maintenance and operating costs with a useful life of 20 years,” stated Denis Girault, Alstom Director General for Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.

“Contributing smart and disruptive solutions that improve service quality and travel experiences has been a fundamental pillar for Redbus Urbano. As part of the Transdev Group, we are always looking for ways to innovate in order to support cities, regions and travelers in the mobility of the future. We are confident that Aptis, which is a new concept in electric, modern and unique mobility, will substantially improve the travel experience of our passengers and drivers. This bus, which is more spacious and offers better lighting, may be a very good option for mobility in Santiago, and this is why we decided to take on this project,” remarked Hernán Berrios, General Manager of Redbus Urbano and Transdev Chile.

Metropolitan Public Transportation Director Fernando Saka noted that the high standard of this bus presents a challenge when it comes to incorporating higher levels of service and comfort to the user at a competitive price. “The goal is to have this type of fleet and new technologies in the medium- and long-term, as the costs of these technologies decrease so that we can improve users’ travel experience,” he said.

The Aptis test run in Santiago included special training for Redbus drivers. Alstom France technicians and specialists traveled to Chile to provide theoretical and practical training on the maneuverability of this innovative bus.

Main characteristics:

External dimensions: 12m long x 2.55m wide x 3.1m high

Floor height: 330mm Maximum speed: Up to 90 km/h

Maximum acceleration: 1.2m/s²

Maximum slope: 13% with maximum load, 20% empty

Capacity: 103 passengers (4 seats for passengers with reduced mobility and 2 spaces for wheelchairs)

Doors: up to three double doors with left and right side options

Motor power: 180kW, motor and air-cooled traction control

Suspension: Hydraulic autonomy up to 250 km

Charging systems: Combo 2 with CCS connection

HVAC: A/C and electric heat for passengers and conductor

Stop assistance: Only 40mm between bus and sidewalk

Eco-driving

USB chargers

Wi-Fi with CEE –UTAC rating, France