Opibus

Opibus is a service that aims to replace the fossil fuel-powered drive train in vehicles by a fully electric drive train system, turning them into electric vehicles.

Snapshot
Manufacturing & delivery
Performance & use
Research & standards
Feedback

Product description Brand name and product description

Opibus is a service provided to convert vehicles to electric vehicles. This is performed by replacing the full power drive train by an electric drive system. The replacing system consists of three battery boxes and one electric motor.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

East Africa, with plans to expand to Europe

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Opibus LTD

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

The cost depends on the vehicle type. A typical price for the conversion is around 37,000 USD.

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

EVPorsche, EVAmerica, Green Motors Inc

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Safari vehicle (Toyota HZJ79 and Land Rover Defender 90/110) owners but there is an intention to cover public transport vehicles in the future.

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

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

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

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

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

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

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Capacity

The number of people that can fit within product [Persons]

5 - 15 passengers

Gear Ratio

The ratio between the rates at which the last and first gears rotate

Unknown

Maximum load capacity (kg)

Varies, the same as the load capacity of the original vehicle

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

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:

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

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Technical support Technical support provided by

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 Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Components of the electric drive train system are interchangeable.

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

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

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

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 Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

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.

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

Manufacturer and the Kenyan government.

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

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

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

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

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Gren, L., 2018 “Insamling Och Visualisering Av Data Från Opibus Elbilar”, CANdidaten

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

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 Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

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

Other information

None

In context photographs (0)

You can use the form below to contribute a photo of this product.

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors

Please let us know your experience in using this product through comments below.

Snapshot

Product description Brand name and product description

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

East Africa, with plans to expand to Europe

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

Opibus LTD

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

The cost depends on the vehicle type. A typical price for the conversion is around 37,000 USD.

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

EVPorsche, EVAmerica, Green Motors Inc

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Safari vehicle (Toyota HZJ79 and Land Rover Defender 90/110) owners but there is an intention to cover public transport vehicles in the future.

Manufacturing & delivery

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

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

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

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

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

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

Performance & use

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Capacity

The number of people that can fit within product [Persons]

5 - 15 passengers

Gear Ratio

The ratio between the rates at which the last and first gears rotate

Unknown

Maximum load capacity (kg)

Varies, the same as the load capacity of the original vehicle

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

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:

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

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Technical support Technical support provided by

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 Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Components of the electric drive train system are interchangeable.

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

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

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

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 Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

Manufacturer and the Kenyan government.

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

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

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

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

Research & standards

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Gren, L., 2018 “Insamling Och Visualisering Av Data Från Opibus Elbilar”, CANdidaten

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

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 Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

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

Other information

None

Feedback

In context photographs (0)

You can use the form below to contribute a photo of this product.

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors

Please let us know your experience in using this product through comments below.

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Opibus

Opibus

In context photographs (0)

In context files & documents (0)

Feedback from users, customers & distributors