Dublin-based Harris Group has launched its new 12-metre electric city bus to expand its e-mobility range alongside the 9-metre Steed midibus. Harris Group said that its new EV bus, with a claimed range of 400km, represents the future of sustainable transport solutions and is destined to revolutionise the public transport industry, and will be ‘a real game changer in so many ways, not least of which is its groundbreaking range capability, making ‘range anxiety’ a thing of the past.’ To demonstrate the Azure’s amazing features and to prove its range capability, Harris took the bus on the Compass Challenge earlier this year, a return journey between Ireland’s two largest cities, Dublin and Cork.
The company explained that the new Higer Azure, which it said was exclusive to the Harris Group, has been designed for the Irish and UK markets. John McEvoy, Chief Operating Officer at Harris Group, said: “The new Azure is the perfect antidote to range anxiety. We’re delighted to launch the new Azure to the Irish market and given its capability and efficiency, it’s the commercial transport option city travel has been calling out for. We have worked very closely with our partners at Higer to develop intelligent technologies specifically for our commercial fleet. The technology effectively learns the roads and routes that the bus is being driven on and adapts accordingly to ensure optimum use of power; something we’re very proud to have been involved in.”
“Coupled with this is the incredible fast charging capability of the Azure, which helps to minimise the downtime that some operators associate with recharging electric vehicles. We believe we have the ideal product to help support the sustainability agenda and we’re looking forward to showcasing the Higer Azure and other electric commercial vehicles in our range.”
The 12,000mm long, 3,295mm high and 2,480mm wide Azure tips the scales at 13,200kg. Available with up to 42 seats, it is fitted with Kiel passenger seating and an Isri drivers seat.
