Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ), in collaboration with the Russian group of companies "Itelma," has developed the MAZ 303E23 electric bus, designed for urban routes in the Northern capital.
The model is assembled exclusively from Russian-Belarusian components: Belarusian enterprises were responsible for the body, electrical equipment, and software, while Russian enterprises were responsible for the power plant and telematics. The first vehicles are planned to be released on the city streets in the first half of 2025.
The electric bus is equipped with a 150 kW engine and high-energy batteries, providing a range of up to 250 km. The batteries are adapted to temperature changes and equipped with fire safety systems. The vehicle belongs to the class of super-low-floor buses: the entrance height is 32 cm, and the "kneeling" function allows tilting the body for passenger convenience. The cabin provides seats for 34 sitting and 14 standing people, including a platform for wheelchairs with a mechanical ramp.
The telematics platform includes modules for cashless payment, passenger flow counting, "Talking City" audio notifications, and video surveillance. The use of localized solutions minimizes technological risks and stimulates the development of industrial competencies.
Test drives of the new model will begin in the coming months. Successful operation could be a step towards a large-scale renewal of the public transport fleet in other regions of Russia and Belarus.
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