This first bus, with which Castrosua enters the market hand in hand with Scania, will make it possible to respond to the customization needs of the mobility models of each client and city. In this way, the high level of personalization and detail it allows will configure exclusive and unique designs both visually and conceptually, as well as in terms of equipment. In this regard, Nelec offers a wide range of possibilities, from the number of doors (two or three) to the length of the vehicle (from 11.5 meters up to 13 meters), including a complete range of equipment options depending on the customer’s needs or habits, in a precise and agile manner.
Castrosua presented this morning Nelec, the first fully customizable bodywork on the market built on Scania’s electric chassis. This new solution comes in two versions: a fully low-floor version for needs linked to urban environments (homologable as Class I) and a low entry version for suburban travel (Class II), with which the Galician company will enter both segments by offering a solution aligned with the demands of urban electromobility.
Although the prototype unveiled today features 24 seats also designed by the company, two wheelchair spaces, and capacity for up to 52 standing passengers, the specific configuration will allow passenger capacity to increase to nearly one hundred individuals, with a maximum of 34 seats, two wheelchair spaces, and 63 standing passengers.
The fact that the new model was conceived entirely using 3D methodology is not only key to developing all these customization and adaptation possibilities, but also streamlines the manufacturing process and the repair or replacement of parts, while allowing customers to benefit from advanced and comprehensive presentations when choosing between different alternatives.
Safety: established and forward-looking
In addition to having significantly improved passenger and driver comfort, the Nelec represents a qualitative leap in passenger protection thanks to the active and passive safety systems it incorporates, complementing mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 through strategic decisions that go beyond legal requirements.
Thus, Castrosua together with Scania has equipped this model with lane departure warning systems —from which it is exempt by regulation—, a front collision proximity radar with automatic emergency braking, and pioneering side radars to detect obstacles which, together with white noise systems and a complete exterior vision system —where cameras replace conventional rear-view mirrors— among others, create an advanced solution. This is further reinforced by the fact that the new vehicle anticipates road safety needs in matters such as fire protection (R-118) or superstructures to protect against rollovers (R.66, despite not being required for urban buses), taking into account the reality of the obstacles these vehicles face and interact with while operating through cities.
With the aim of making travel on the Nelec an attractive experience before, during, and after boarding the bus, the new model incorporates a completely new exterior and interior design.
A specific ducting system for the air conditioning circuit could become an ally in reducing the risks of contagion derived from SARS-CoV-2. This advancement is complemented by other alternatives to physical contact traditionally required by conventional stop-request buttons, either through foot-operated buttons or photoelectric sensor mechanisms activated by detecting the presence of a hand nearby, also present in this showcased vehicle and designed by Castrosua.
Added to all this are other features such as an automatic passenger temperature measurement system with integrated mask detection; disinfectant mats; the use of materials that hinder virus adhesion and facilitate disinfection and cleaning protocols applied by operators; or automatic hydroalcoholic gel dispensers at entrances and exits, as well as full or partial partitions between drivers and passengers, among others.
Other advances: innovation as a historic hallmark
The Nelec also stands out for its environmental responsibility, since the electric chassis concept is complemented by other measures such as greater energy efficiency thanks to the use of LED lighting throughout 100% of the vehicle, creating indirect interior lighting aimed at providing a spacious and comfortable passenger compartment.
Weight reduction and the carefully designed driver’s area also contribute to giving Nelec its unique personality, along with the incorporation of innovations such as automatic exterior lighting and rain sensors. There are many details that give Nelec its own distinctive contribution and complement sustainable mobility solutions adapted to today’s reality, while at the same time being prepared to quickly configure and respond to everything customers may request.
As detailed by Juan Luis Castro, president of the company, during the virtual presentation event, “Nelec was born from combining our continuous observation of market demands with our commitment to remain faithful to what has always characterized us.” After thanking Scania and other technological partners for their collaboration, Castro emphasized that “this milestone we have achieved today is fundamentally thanks to the team that makes up our family and has a strong orientation toward excellence, something we achieve by combining innovation with the reliability and credibility that allow us to continue adding value to the passenger transport world.” Not in vain, the president recalled that “Castrosua’s own evolution demonstrates its constant adaptation to the market, since we began by manufacturing charter and long-distance buses before focusing on the urban segment, where we already developed Spain’s first hybrid vehicles and now continue along the path of electromobility.”
NELEC is a dream come true thanks to the perseverance of a team, and the process to achieve it, which, as highlighted by current CEO Beatriz Castro, “was filled with anecdotes as well as a great deal of sacrifice and hard work in order to make it possible.” Faced with so much adversity throughout key moments of the project, Castrosua demonstrated the capability of its human team, aligned and motivated to achieve a goal and showcase it to its customers. If anything resisted the challenges of 2020, it was Nelec: now it will continue guiding Castrosua along the path of leadership in the national market and expansion into new international markets.
With this new launch, Castrosua aims to continue increasing its market share nationally, where in 2020 it represented nearly 24%, while also entering new international environments to add to those where it is already present.
