Harris lets loose electric STEED

Harris Group has revealed details of a new electric bus.

Called the STEED (Sustainable Transport Electric Energy Delivered), the vehicle has been optimised to Harris Group specifications by Chinese manufacturer Higer. It is set to take to Irish roads in 2020.

Powered by CATL lithium ion batteries producing 174 Kw of output, the STEED has a maximum passenger capacity of 48 and an operational range of over 200km, according to Harris. The dealer claims it is suitable for service on both urban and rural route networks. Each vehicle is also delivered with its own CCS2 DC fast-charging infrastructure designed to provide a full-charge in less than two hours. With a low-entry flat-floor enabling easy wheelchair access, it has saloon air conditioning and low-power, high-output destination boards.

Chris Haughton, General Manager of Harris Group bus and coach division Harris Auto, said: “With the introduction of the STEED we have eliminated the last potential barriers for operators to transition to an EV bus fleet.

“This vehicle answers every question it is asked in relation to drivetrain efficiency, operational capability and passenger accessibility. We can also confirm that the STEED will be available at a price point which is significantly lower than equivalent EV-class vehicles enabling a total cost of ownership superior to diesel.

“We are proud to be working with Higer on bringing the STEED to the Irish market. China has led the way with the electrification of their urban bus fleets and Higer has been in the vanguard of this transformation. The STEED represents a quantum leap in the ability of private and public operators to follow through on commitments to change, and we are clearly seeing this in the level of interest that it is generating.”