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A Dutch company has developed this bus, appropriately called “Superbus”, as a luxury high-speed link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai (150km/93 miles) in UAE. The 8-millon dollar Superbus can carry 23 passengers at up to 155mph on a dedicated “speed track” and is seen by its designers as “the shape of things to come in sustainable transport”. Really? REALLY?

It gets better.

[Source: SuperbusProject.com | Images: DriveArabia.com]

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The fifty foot long “Superbus” has an aluminum chassis and a carbon-fiber body. It is propelled by some electric motors which are powered by a huge battery bank located between the two rear axles. The batteries are also easily replaceable, probably to keep recharging times down. It also has 6-wheel steering to help maneuverability.

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Design with aerodynamics in mind by an ex-Ferrari F1 Antonia Terzi, it has sixteen gullwing doors allow access to the twenty-three seats. Inside there are seats which face in both directions of travel, typical WIFI and TV stuff. And that’s it really. No stewardess, no drinks, no bathroom.

The Superbus’ 530hp battery pack indeed allows the top speed of 155MPH, but only on its specially made super track. Otherwise, it is limited to general road rules like everyone else. There is no mention of range.

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So there you have it: length of bus, capacity of a van, cost of plane. And it needs a special track.

Now, if there was only a more efficient way of transporting people in comfort at a high rate of speed. Perhaps on a dedicated roadway which would allow for high speed and safety. And if it was perhaps just a little bit bigger, with the ability of transporting more people and cargo, at a high rate. And it would be great if such thing was energy efficient too, perhaps electric, or diesel-electric hybrid. If there was only such thing. 

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