Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Bolloré subsidiary BlueSG have launched a 22-seat electric shuttle that will be able to recharge in 20 seconds at stations while passengers board.

The NTU-Blue Solutions Flash Shuttle is based on Bolloré’s Bluetram vehicle. Equipped with supercapacitors and an LMP battery developed by Blue Solutions, it has a range of two km, with backup power that provides for an additional 30 km. NTU says the cost of operating Bluetram is five to ten times lower than that of traditional trams, as it does not require infrastructure such as rails or catenaries, and a line can be deployed in a matter of weeks.

The vehicle will undergo road trials in Singapore for a period of two years, during which scientists from NTU and BlueSG will study its on-road performance and passenger behavior.

“The move to introduce electromobility and cutting-edge transportation technologies is part of our vision to transform NTU into a Smart Campus,” said NTU President Professor Subra Suresh. “As a leading global university with deep expertise in sustainable technologies, NTU is already a living testbed for various energy-efficient technologies, and the perfect partner for BlueSG to test and develop electric shuttles for Singapore.”

Source: NTU Singapore via Green Car Congress