Mobility Move: Klimatisierung von e-Bussen

Mobility Move: Air conditioning for e-buses

CO₂ Thermal Management as the Key to Stable Electric Bus Fleets

The electrification of bus fleets is shifting the technical focus within vehicles. In addition to drive systems and charging infrastructure, another factor is becoming increasingly important: thermal management. Heating, cooling, and battery temperature control are among the biggest energy consumers in electric buses today – and thus have a direct impact on range, availability, and operating costs.

Konvekta CO₂-based thermal management systems are specially designed to meet the requirements of daily scheduled service.

Reliable operation in all climatic conditions

For transport companies, it is not maximum performance that is crucial, but stability in everyday use. Vehicles must function reliably in both hot and cold weather. The performance of a thermal management system is particularly evident in winter operation: falling outside temperatures increase the heating requirement, while at the same time the battery must not be operated outside its optimum temperature range.

In many fleets, this additional demand is otherwise covered by auxiliary electric heaters – with high energy consumption and a noticeable impact on range. Stable interaction between heating, cooling, and battery temperature control helps to minimize range losses and maintain the operational readiness of the vehicles.

CO₂ as a natural refrigerant – without regulatory risk

In addition to its technical function, the choice of refrigerant is becoming increasingly important. Fluorinated refrigerants are under regulatory pressure due to their global warming potential and possible PFAS associations. For operators, this means uncertainty when making long-term investment decisions.

CO₂ (R744) is a natural refrigerant with a global warming potential of 1. It is PFAS-free, non-flammable, and not subject to any foreseeable phase-out regulations. For transport companies, this means investment security over the entire service life of the vehicles – regardless of future tightening of refrigerant legislation.

More range and lower costs in daily use

Thermal management is not just a matter of comfort, but also a question of energy. Every saved kilowatt hour has a direct impact on range. Efficient use of ambient and waste heat, as well as optimized temperature control for the driver's workplace, the interior, the battery, and all temperature-sensitive components, can significantly reduce energy consumption in daily use. The result is not a theoretical maximum range, but a more stable range in regular bus service.

However, it is not only range that counts for transport companies, but overall economic efficiency. Energy consumption, maintenance costs, and regulatory safety requirements influence operating costs over many years. A thermal management system that works reliably and does not require additional electric heating systems or complex safety requirements not only reduces energy consumption but also overall operating costs.

With increasing electrification, it is becoming clear that thermal management is not an auxiliary unit, but a central element of vehicle architecture. It determines how stable a fleet drives in winter, how predictable rotations remain, and how calculable operating costs are.

Reliable operation. More range in everyday use. Planning security thanks to CO₂. A solution that simply works.

More about products: Ultralight 500-700 CO2 Heatpump