Mellor’s first order for its Sigma 12 will see Whippet electrify its ‘Universal’ university bus operation in Cambridge
Cambridgeshire operator Whippet is to place an order for nine Sigma 12 battery electric buses for its new University of Cambridge bus contract, which will launch in July next year. Having operated the ‘Universal’ bus service since 2016, the 103-year-old transport operator recently secured a new eight-year contract with the University of Cambridge to provide a fully electric bus service.
Whippet’s parent company Ascendal Group specialises in the operation and maintenance of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with its leadership team having already worked on such solutions in London and Hong Kong. Ascendal will be supporting Whippet’s local team to ensure a smooth deployment of the University of Cambridge’s first zero-emission buses.
Through its partnership with Mellor, Whippet will be introducing a fleet of nine Sigma 12 buses to serve the city, the first such vehicles to enter the UK market. To mark the occasion, Whippet hosted a public event at the West Hub in Cambridge, with attendance from members of the University of Cambridge. The event consisted of a number of management presentations relating to the new service and features of the electric vehicles, followed by the opportunity to experience a ride in a zero-emission Sigma bus.
Jonathan Ziebart, Group Business Development Director at Ascendal, said: “We remain incredibly excited to be the University of Cambridge’s partner of choice to introduce its first zero-emission bus network, operating along the world’s longest guided busway.”
Bus Division Sales Director at Mellor Mark Clissett added: “We look forward to working with Whippet to introduce a high-quality, innovative electric bus product that seeks to provide an increased level of passenger comfort and satisfaction.”
