Sigma electric-only range developed in response to global attitudes towards zero-emission public transport
UK bus manufacturer Mellor says it is ‘redefining zero-emissions public transport’ after revealing details of its all-new, zero-emissions electric bus range.
Designated ‘Sigma’, the new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) line-up comprises six individual models – with overall lengths from 7 to 12 metres and GVWs from 8 to 19 tonnes, and varying width and passenger door configuration to further broaden the range, which Mellor says makes Sigma one of the largest ranges of low-floor BEV buses from any manufacturer in Europe. Mellor said it has embarked on the significant repositioning of its activities to bring the new zero-emissions Sigma range to market as global attitudes to transport focus on a more sustainable future and where concerns over vehicle CO2 emissions see pressure exerted on governments and local authorities to provide funding for bus operators.
The move is a statement of intent from the Rochdale-based bus manufacturer as it seeks to further enhance its presence with UK bus fleet operators. With what it says will be the widest range of model variants and specifications on the market, Mellor believes its ongoing mandate to produce size- and cost-appropriate vehicles means Sigma’s unrivalled choice will – for the first time – provide customers with a no-compromise, zero-emissions transport solution from a single manufacturer.
Key to the operational appeal of the new Mellor Sigma will be a significant weight saving across all models compared to competitor vehicles, in turn reducing energy consumption while enhancing operational performance and range. Mellor believes Sigma redefines the zero-emissions offering for public transport operators, providing customers with a complete range of BEVs to deliver clean, sustainable solutions to suit route profiles ranging from constricted town centres to long-distance rural services.
The Sigma range also places Mellor firmly in the midi-bus sector serving BEV markets in the UK and overseas. Initial 7 and 10-metre Sigma models are available immediately for order and will be unveiled at a special launch event at Millbrook in December. Customers placing orders today can expect delivery by early summer 2022. A further four models, including 8, 9, 11 and 12-metre variants, will be phased in during 2022, with customer deliveries also expected within the same period. With six model options, Mellor believes the multi-variant Sigma BEV range retains its core principle of producing both size- and cost-appropriate buses, and offers a choice of widths, operating ranges and gross vehicle weights, allowing the company to enter previously untapped markets.
“Here we are at the start of a new chapter in the history of Mellor,” said Mellor’s Bus Division Managing Director Mark Clissett, “our new Sigma range is a redefinition of the zero-emissions bus offering and one which will see Mellor establish itself as a major player with fleet customers, both in the UK and in overseas markets. With six new base models, and a range of options, we are sticking to our size- and cost- appropriate principles and, more than any other manufacturer, able to offer customers an exacting BEV solution for their precise requirements. We’re really excited with the prospect of shaking-up the market with this fantastic new product,” he said, “Sigma not only marks a turning point for Mellor, it is also the most important product introduction of its kind from any bus builder in the last decade.”
