Irizar’s ‘ie tram’ bus is to make it’s debut at Euro Bus Expo ahead of entering service with Go-Ahead London later this year
Irizar e-mobility and Go-Ahead London have signed a contract for 20 buses and their related charging infrastructure to electrify route 358 in south London, the first route to use ultra-fast opportunity charging in the capital.
Go-Ahead London, which already has experience of operating Irizar’s i2e model, has once again placed its trust in the Spanish manufacturer to supply 20 ‘ie tram’ single-deckers plus two 450kW ultra-fast chargers for the route terminals. Additional 100kW depot chargers capable of charging two buses simultaneously at 50kW for the bus garage will be supplied by Jema Energy, a subsidiary of the Irizar Group.
The operator said that the 12-metre ie tram was chosen due to its visually appealing modern design. The examples for Go-Ahead will be the first to be manufactured in right hand drive format and the first to be launched in the UK. Irizar says its zero emissions, low noise and vibration levels, enhanced safety features and easy access make it particularly suitable for use in a city like London.
The buses will be powered by batteries manufactured by the Irizar Group and will be charged between trips using two fast charging inverted pantograph systems, to be installed at Crystal Palace and Orpington bus stations, allowing the buses to be charged in less than five minutes and enabling them to perform the required all-day service. When not in service, the buses will be charged using the depot chargers.
The Irizar ie tram, has been designed to resemble a modern tram, making it stand out from other buses. Its designers say that it combines high capacity, easy access and plenty of passenger space with the versatility of a city bus. The passenger saloon is designed to appear bright, comfortable, spacious, pleasant and safe. Besides the high specification, Go-Ahead said that the level of passive safety for passengers and pedestrians were the key factors that led it to choose the ie tram, along with the fact that the vehicle’s front end design meets Transport for London’s 2024 Bus Safety Standards in terms of front end pedestrian protection.
The fleet is scheduled for delivery from late 2022 and will serve route 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington. “We are delighted that Go-Ahead, London’s largest bus operator, has chosen our technology; this is a clear testament to the confidence placed in our products and proof of their quality and reliability. London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honoured for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal. Our technological race continues, and this operation will see our company launching the first super-fast charging route in London, complying with the high standards set by Transport for London,” said Iñigo Etxeberria, Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility.
Those attending the Euro Bus Expo show in Birmingham will have the opportunity to view the first bus, which will be on display at stand A10 alongside coaches from the Irizar range and other Irizar Group companies.
