Specialists of the Research and Development Center of KAMAZ and NEFAZ PTC, a subsidiary of the company in Bashkiria, developed and made the prototype of a KAMAZ-6299 extra-large bus running on compressed natural gas. The new model is presented at the stand of the company at the International Exhibition of Buses BW Expo being held in Moscow on these days.
The KAMAZ-6299-40-5T (6x2) low-floor bus is a successor of the city transport of the A4 generation. This is the third prototype of such vehicles. The company had earlier presented a diesel bus and an electric bus of the articulated version to the public. In their main characteristics and functions, these models are alike. The major difference of the new model is its powerful engine of 340 hp, driven by compressed natural gas. The bus is designed for operation on routes with an intensive passenger flow and is produced with account of the latest requirements to passengers’ safety and comfort. It was made with the use of components with a long working life by top producers.
The size of the bus is 18725х2550х3300 mm. It consists of two sections linked by a pivoting joint enclosed by protective bellows inside and outside. The Euro 5 KAMAZ-689.560-340 straight-eight engine with a swept volume of 8,900 cubic cm is equipped with an automated six-speed gearbox with a retarder. The highest speed is 80 kph. The gross weight of the bus is 28 tonnes. The front suspension is independent, pneumatic, those of the drive axle and the dead axle are dependent, pneumatic.
The volume of fillable natural gas with pressure of 200 atm is 246 cubic meters. For safety reasons, gas cylinders are installed on the roof. By contrast with its smaller predecessor, the number of cylinders of this bus is increased for a longer driving distance.
The KAMAZ-6299 city low-floor extra-large bus meets modern requirements to ergonomics and design. The passenger compartment features a low floor, spacious standing area near the second door, is equipped with handrails with buttons to signal the driver that the door should be opened, and usb-chargers for gadgets, validators. The gangway in the second section is wide thanks to three one-and-a-half seats instead of dual ones.
The bus fully complies with the Accessible Environment program. It is equipped with a kneeling system and can “curtsey” to the bus stop, which makes passenger loading easier. For passengers’ comfort, there is a climate system with single-zone climate control and double-glass. The total passenger capacity is 155 people, with 44 seats.
The driver’s air suspension seat with a three-point belt. The driver’s workplace is equipped with all necessary devices for monitoring information on the condition of the vehicle, and also information is transmitted from video cameras located in the compartment and on the outside of the bus.
The advantages of this novelty include expected low fuel consumption, affordable technical maintenance and a long service life due to state-of-the-art body production technology.