Irizar’s ie Trams to be the first for the UK

Go-Ahead orders 20 of the Spanish-built, stylish vehicles for its flagship London 358 route, which will be opportunity-charged by pantograph

Go Ahead has has ordered 20 Irizar ie trams and supporting charging infrastructure for its opp-charged 358 route in London. The first example will be at next week’s Euro Bus Expo at the NEC.

The route uses two 450kW ultra-fast chargers at its terminals and 100kW depot chargers capable of charging two buses simultaneous at 50kW for the bus garage. They will be supplied by Irizar subsidiary Jema Energy.

Go-Ahead has chosen the 12-metre Irizar ie Tram, the first of the range to be manufactured with right-hand drive and the first to be launched in the UK. The buses will be powered by state-of-the-art 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. These allow the buses to be charged in less than five minutes. Out of service, the buses will receive a short top up using the depot-based chargers.

The Irizar ie tram, with its stylish tram-like design, stands out from other buses by combining high capacity, easy access and plenty of passenger space inside with the versatility of a city bus. The bus’s passenger compartment is bright, comfortable, spacious, pleasant and safe.

Irizar says the level of passive safety for passengers and pedestrians are among factors that led the operator to choose this vehicle – the Irizar ie tram’s front end design meets Transport for London’s 2024 Bus Safety Standards in terms of front end pedestrian protection. The bus are scheduled for delivery from late 2022, will run along route 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington.

“We are delighted that Go Ahead, London 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,” said ñigo Etxeberria, Managing Director of Irizar e-mobility “London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honoured for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal.”

    • “I am absolutely delighted that the ie tram has been chosen for the 358 route,” said Shaun Millar, e-Mobility Business Development Manager – Bus, based at Irizar UK. “I believe this vehicle really is at the cutting edge of electric bus technology and design, and that the ultra-fast pantograph charging will be the technology that will speed the adoption of battery-electric buses across the UK. We have one of the fleet of 20 available for operators to see at Euro Bus Expo, and I will be happy to show their unique features to show visitors.”

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