Moving in the rhythm of the capital city

Nearly 80 percent localisation — new trams and electric buses are coming to Minsk roads soon

This year, the renewal of Minsk’s transport fleet is planned. It is expected that 10 new electric buses and 20 trams equipped with climate control system will operate within the city. BKM HOLDING — a leading manufacturer of modern urban electric transport — is in charge of the production. The first prototypes are already nearing the final assembly stage, with running tests set to begin shortly.

Turquoise is in fashion

Comfort, safety, and environmental friendliness — these are the three pillars underpinning the new passenger vehicles produced by BKM HOLDING for the needs of the Belarusian capital. In 2023, the enterprise developed and approved technical documentation to manufacture novelties — modern trams and electric buses — at the request of Minsktrans. Every detail has been taken into account: from the colour scheme to the driver’s seat.
The work in the tram assembly shop is in full swing, with the assembly of the first two prototypes of the new vehicles nearing completion. The body is carefully covered in film to prevent damage to the paintwork. Electricians are finalising the wiring, and specialists will begin installing passenger seats soon.
“This is a fully low-floor, single-section T811 model tram with two motor bogies,” explained Aleksandr Kazakevich, Deputy General Director for Marketing and Sales. “The new model can operate autonomously for up to 1,000 metres and is designed for compatibility with an unmanned control system.”
It is worth noting that the T811 model is already familiar to Minsk residents, yet aside from its colour — turquoise — it bears little resemblance to its predecessor. The design matches the style of trolleybuses, electric buses, and trucks from the Vitovt series. “The bodywork load-bearing structure is a seamless, welded metallic frame made from high-strength steel profiles with ventilation openings,” Aleksandr Kazakevich shared the details. “The anti-corrosion coating guarantees protection for five years without the need for additional body treatment during operation. The outer lining, including the roof, is made of fibreglass and aluminium corrosion-resistant panels, enabling the tram to be operated for at least 30 years.”
The body design is innovative, prioritising maximum comfort for passengers. Gone are the days when one had to climb high steps to get on the tram. To facilitate easy boarding and alighting for people with limited mobility, an access ramp is installed next to the second door, along with a button to call the driver. There is also a spacious standing area, capable of simultaneously accommodating a passenger with limited mobility or a passenger with a child in a pushchair, and a person with a dog or bicycle. 
The door system is equipped with audio and visual signals indicating the movement status of the door leaves. Additionally, it features a system of anti-jamming and blocking mechanisms. The shape of front and rear ends is designed to deflect a pedestrian who might come into contact with the tram, ensuring they are pushed aside rather than thrown under the wheels. Moreover, the rear-view mirror configuration ensures 100 percent visibility of the passenger boarding and alighting zones along the vehicle sides on straight sections of the track, as well as covering the blind spots in front of the tram. “The ergonomics of the passenger compartment have been developed in line with contemporary trends, featuring an expanded area for priority passengers. There is an optimal number of seats in the low-floor zone. In addition, the tram is equipped with an air conditioning system, automatic fire extinguishing system, USB ports for phone charging, Wi-Fi, GPS, a multimedia system, and, of course, a fare payment system,” revealed the Deputy General Director for Marketing and Sales.
The tram is fitted with a video surveillance system: one camera records the traffic situation in front of the vehicle, another monitors the driver, while a network of cameras inside the compartment eliminates blind spots. If required, the footage is transmitted in real-time to the dispatch centre. This approach enhances passenger safety during transportation.
The ergonomics of the driver’s cabin in the T811 model have been improved. All control devices are arranged according to their operational efficiency during movement. The driver’s seat allows for optimal adjustment to achieve the most comfortable position for vehicle operation, with height, recline, and horizontal seat cushion adjustment.
According to Aleksandr Kazakevich, the driver’s cabin is separated from the passenger compartment by a glazed partition with a door fitted with a lock. The door features a small window for ticket sales. Within the driver’s compartment are the control devices, signalling, and monitoring systems, as well as space for a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and storage for the driver’s personal items, a bag of small accessories, and valuables.

Harmonious solution

It is expected that by the end of the year, it will be possible to see modern electric buses from the Vitovt series on Minsk roads. BKM HOLDING is currently in the final stage of assembling these vehicles. The transport is equipped with an air conditioning system, climate control, and USB ports, as well as boasts redesigned interior layout. “The E433 Vitovt electric bus for delivery in 2024 differs from the 2018 model not only in its lighting. This vehicle is of particularly large capacity, known as an accordion bus. It now features a separate door to enter the driver’s cabin, and air conditioning in the passenger compartment,” recounted the Deputy General Director. The electric bus is equipped with energy storage systems based on supercapacitors. The charging time from 30 percent takes up to ten minutes, providing a drive range of up to 15 kilometres. Its passenger capacity is 140 people, with 36 seats. There are also standing areas with space to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility in wheelchairs.
The transport is further equipped with a climate control system, video surveillance, and USB ports. The maximum steady-state speed is 60 km/h. The pneumatic suspension has a body tilt system. Additionally, an anti-lock braking system and traction control system are included. “The electric bus is fitted with a system for accumulating electrical energy generated during braking. The service life of the drive axle, the supercapacitor system, and the warranty on the vehicle body frames is ten years,” added Aleksandr Kazakevich.  

Vadim Fedorovich, mechanical assembly fitter at BKM HOLDING 

Technologically advanced response

An interesting fact is that the new tram contains over 10,000 various parts, while the electric bus has around 12,000. Most importantly, the level of localisation has reached 80 percent. “Next year, we plan to manufacture and supply Minsk with just over 40 large-capacity electric buses. These will be equipped with a hybrid charging system — charging from a socket overnight and charging from a pantograph while on route — to increase the range on a single charge on the one hand, and to enhance passenger capacity compared to vehicles having only night charging on the other hand. Additionally, we envisage to supply more than ten low-floor trams. 

Russian customers have also shown interest in the novelties. It is expected that Belarusian articulated electric buses will operate in Saint Petersburg and cities in the Southern Federal District of the Russian Federation,” pointed out Aleksandr Kazakevich.

Low-floor single-section T811 tram model:
• Body length — 16.5m
• Width — 2.5m
• Height — 3.7m
• Number of passenger doors — 4 
• Maximum passenger capacity / number of seats — 160 people / 33 seats (four in the low-floor zone) 
• Speed — up to 75 km/h 
• Electric motor power (kW) — 288 (72x4) 

E433 Vitovt electric bus:
• Charging time from 30 percent — up to 10 minutes
• Drive range — up to 15km
• Passenger capacity / number of seats — 140 people / 36 seats (eight in the low-floor zone)
• Maximum steady-state speed — 60 km/h

BKM HOLDING, production of new electric buses and trams 

By Vladislav Sychevich

Photos by Alisa Drugakova