Zeta (battery for electric buses)

2025: Battery release for electric buses, which is ahead of foreign counterparts in density and capacity

In early May 2025, the metropolitan enterprise "Autonomous Energy Systems," which is part of the Itelma group of companies, presented an innovative battery for public electric transport, surpassing most foreign analogues in key technical characteristics. The new battery has a capacity of 117 Ah and an energy density of 73.5 kWh, which allows you to significantly expand the possibilities of its use in various models of electric buses and trolleybuses.

According to the developers, the improved battery pack is compact, high power and comes in a flat case, making it more versatile to fit into various types of electric public transport. The developers paid special attention to fire safety issues, ensuring a high level of protection against fires.

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Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy, stressed that strengthening Moscow's position as a leading center for the development of domestic electric car building is one of the key tasks set by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The consistent actions of the city authorities and the developed set of support measures contribute to the sustainable development of the industry.

Anton Mukhin, founder and general director of Autonomous Energy Systems, noted that the company's engineers managed to improve the battery and make it even more convenient by improving the design while maintaining high efficiency and safety indicators. This solution allows the company to meet the current requirements of the electric transport market.

The new development can be seen as an important step towards the technological independence of the Russian industry in the field of electric transport. Improved battery specifications will increase the range of electric buses and trolleybuses, as well as reduce the time required to charge them.^[1]

2024: Product Announcement

In mid-January 2024, the Russian company Autonomous Energy Systems presented Zeta lithium-ion batteries designed for public electric transport. These batteries are said to outperform most foreign-made samples in their class.

In the manufacture of Zeta blocks, modern technologies are used, as well as aluminum and composite materials. This significantly reduces the weight of the batteries. Installing new batteries on electrobuses Moscow makes it possible to reduce their weight by 300-400 kg. This can increase passenger capacity or add additional battery modules. In the second case, the range on a single charge can grow by 40-50% with a comparable weight.

"Zeta"

When creating Zeta batteries, great attention is paid to fire safety - at the level of the control system and the materials used. Efficient liquid cooling is involved: the universal heat exchanger is specially designed for use in the most severe climatic conditions. The Block is fully developed and manufactured in Russia: at the same time, the Autonomous Energy Systems company uses its own proprietary thermostating system, control and protection means.

The battery pack with dimensions of 2100 × 960 × 260 mm and weighing 398 kg contains 73.3 kVt·ch of energy. The voltage is 628 V, the energy storage density is 185 Vt·ch/kg. Support for fast charging is provided. One such unit may be sufficient to operate the vehicle on electric traction with a small range of power - for example, a trolleybus. At the same time, a bundle of 2-3 modules will ensure optimal operation of electric buses with fast charging, in particular, machines that meet the requirements of the Moscow fleet.^[2]

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