A 15-metre luxury bus that can transport up to 23 people at speeds of up to 155mph is being created by students at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
The Superbus will be powered by lithium ion batteries that will allow a claimed range of more than 130 miles, while the figure of a 155mph 'cruising' speed is reached courtesy of electric motors generating 400bhp. A 'boost' function also allows up to 800bhp for one minute.
There will be no planned routes for the Superbus; instead, passengers will request their required stops via text or e-mail, while the bus will then use its sat-nav to help calculate the fastest route.
Its makers say it will revolutionise public transport. "[The Superbus offers] carefree and comfortable travel, customized according to your needs," claims the project's website. "You can get in the vehicle wherever and whenever you need. It will take you to your destination without any changeovers. During the journey, you can get on with your work, or sit back and enjoy the speed and the luxury. This service will be yours for a fare which is comparable to the prices of present-day public transport."
Air springs and a 'lifting' aluminium subframe will allow the 9.5-tonne Superbus to alter its ride height between 70mm and 400mm to help maximise aerodynamic efficiency and therefore range.
Now, we know it's a dreadful cliche to make remarks about the Dutch and the delusion-inducing effects of a certain drug, but when you're presented with a project like this you've justgot to assume it was dreamt up in some sort of coffee house.
After all, the idea for a 10-tonne luxury bus that follows no set routes and whisks its passengers along at 155mph is hardly going to issue forth from a sober or sane brain. Somehow, though, we really like it...
Oh, and you can browse the tech spec for the electric Dutch madness below.
Electric motors powered by lithium polymer battery pack and regenerative braking
300 kW, peak at 600 kW for 1 minute
0-100 km/h 0.1g in comfort mode
250-0 km/h in less than 200m
Weight distribution 34/66
Air springs and frequency selective dampers system with lifting subframe in aluminum
IXIS Thermoplastic reinforced fiberglass
Driver assisted controlled on existing roads, autopilot on Supertrack
Seat belts, airbags, TV, internet, air-conditioning, heating, etc
Navigation system, obstacle detection, communication system, fail safe system and control system
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