Opibus

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$37,000.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Opibus LTD

Regions

East Africa

Manufacturing/Building Method

The electric drive trains are assembled and installed in Nairobi, Kenya.

Intellectural Property Type

Copyright

User Provision Model

Users directly send their vehicle to the workshop of Opibus for replacement.

Distributions to Date Status

Plans to begin EV conversion by Q1 2020, no distribution information available

Design Specifications

The system replacing the traditional drive train consists of 3 battery boxes and one electric motor. The following specifications are available online:

• Battery sizes and type: from 30 kWh/LiFePO4
• Electric Motor: From 100/180 kW
• Torque: 1128/2582 Nm
• Top speed: per design limited to 120 km/h to respect local speed limitations
• Range: it depends on the battery size, the terrain, vehicle weight and driving style, for a reference at 70 km/h
  • 30 kWh battery: 140 km
  • 50 kWh battery: 245 km
  • 70 kWh battery: 350 km
• Braking: Braking pedal sensors, secondary emergency using hydraulic or vacuum disk brakes
• Waterproofness is ensured by an extra case protecting the drive train
• Power steering: Aided by electric motor assistance
• User interface: Dashboard is modified to show the parameters of the electric propulsion

The conversion is done in several steps:

1. Select the vehicle either new or used with a faulty engine and gearbox
2. Vehicle is received at the Workshop for inspection and to ensure improved performance after the conversion
3. Engine and fuel tanks are removed and the electric drive train is installed in exchange. Dashboard and power steering function are also installed
4. Test the converted vehicle according to international standards and local regulations
5. Connect to a smart charging station
6. Start the electric vehicle

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical support is ensured through a real-time health monitoring system. A reduced operational downtime is listed in the service agreement. Technical support is provided by Opibus mechanics.

Replacement Components

Components of the electric drive train system are interchangeable.

Lifecycle

Battery packs are the limiting component, they can last around 200,000 km.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The total efficiency of the electric motor is 94-96%. Running costs are expected to be reduced by 80%, savings on maintenance are estimated at 8000 USD yearly.

Vetted Performance Status

Prototype Testing is performed by the manufacturer and the Kenyan government. Testing results are not available but there are ongoing discussions to ease the licensing process of the converted vehicles.

Safety

Safety hazards related to lithium batteries are mitigated with compliance with safety regulations.

Complementary Technical Systems

Charging stations with a regular power outlet (3 kW) are needed.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The converted vehicles are compliant with Kenyan law and regulation, it is also accepted by the NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority) and the KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards).

Evaluation methods

The converted vehicles go through testing and quality control to get approval from the corresponding authority.

Other Information

Video on ongoing discussions to ease the licensing process of the converted vehicles