Thermo King Showcases Electric Passenger Comfort Solutions at Busworld Brussels 2025

Advanced heat pump technologies and low GWP refrigerants address the evolving needs of a rapidly electrifying bus industry.

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, will present its newest electric bus climate-control technologies at Busworld Brussels 2025, from 4 to 9 October. The all-electric Thermo King stand will highlight solutions designed to enhance passenger comfort and support the bus industry’s transition to electrification, including the Athenia™ ENVI R-744 (CO2), S30—e heat pumps, and the latest Refrigerant-to-Water (R2W) heat pump option for the Athenia MKII E series.

With more than two thirds of new city and intercity buses now electric, the industry is undergoing a significant shift. Thermo King is well positioned to support this transition, drawing on its expertise in sustainable climate control and energy efficiency. Thermo King’s advanced heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed to maintain consistent passenger comfort while helping to extend battery life through precise temperature management.

“As fleets shift to electric, our role is to keep both passengers and vehicle batteries at their best. Responding to environmental priorities and regulatory requirements, we work closely with manufacturers, operators and service providers to meet their operational and sustainability needs,” said Urszula von Kreijfelt, Commercial Director for the Thermo King Bus business in EMEA. “Events like Busworld drive the knowledge sharing and technology innovation needed to address the challenges reshaping passenger transport. The focus on electrification, energy efficiency, low GWP, natural refrigerants, and environmental compliance is redefining vehicle design and fleet investment decisions, and Thermo King is helping to lead this transformation.”

Featured Electric Climate-Control Solutions

Thermo King’s product portfolio at Busworld Brussels will reflect its wide range of climate-control technologies for the bus market from large electric city buses to compact vehicles for urban mobility. At Booth 426 in Hall 4, visitors can learn about:

• Athenia MKII E Refrigerant-to-Water (R2W) Heat Pump Option. The integrated R2W option delivers 40–50°C hot water with a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 2.5, reducing fuel and energy use compared with diesel preheaters. Designed for seamless integration into existing bus climate control systems without altering the vehicle’s structure, it enables separate temperature regulation for the front box, convectors and saloon areas, with a reheat function to improve dehumidification. The system maintains full heating output at temperatures above 0°C and continues efficient operations in sub-zero conditions, relying on only limited diesel support when necessary. Operators in transitional climates can expect energy savings of 30–40%, along with cabin temperatures of 21°C or higher. Battery thermal management is also incorporated to protect electric bus power systems over time and reduce maintenance demands.
• Athenia™ ENVI R-744 (CO2) Heat Pump for Electric Fleets. Ideal for fleets prioritising environmental performance and operational reliability, this heat pump uses R744 (CO₂) refrigerant, a non-flammable option with a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, and operates efficiently across a wide range of conditions from –25°C to +50°C. The system provides heating, cooling and fresh-air control, plus integrated battery thermal management to help protect and extend battery life. Waste heat recovery further improves efficiency and reduces lifetime operating costs.
• S-30—e Compact Rooftop Heat Pump Unit. Designed for mini and midi buses under 8 metres, the S30—e is a compact, ultra low-profile heat pump unit. It delivers rapid temperature adjustment and operates at low noise levels, making it suited to urban and regional passenger services.

Visit Thermo King’s stand in Brussels Expo at Booth 426, Hall 4 to discover electric innovations that move beyond broad sustainability themes, featuring practical technologies enabling the shift to electric fleets and supporting industry needs for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.