LibertyBus trialling Sigma 8
LibertyBus is trialling a Mellor Bus Sigma 8 in Jersey.
The electric bus has been on display in front of the Royal Yacht for a LibertyBus Driver Recruitment Day. It will be trialled by the island’s operator for three weeks.
LibertyBus will be analysing data on energy consumption charging requirements and manoeuvrability on the island routes.
The Sigma battery-electric bus range includes six models, from 7 to 12-metres, with GVWs from 9 to 19 tonnes, and passenger capacity from 31 to 80.
The vehicle is electrically driven, using a single drive motor which is powered by CATL 210 kWh batteries. This means that the vehicle can complete over 160 miles on a single charge, according to Mellor. The batteries have industry leading battery safety fitted as standard. Charging can be completed using 2 x DC charge guns, allowing compatibility with other electric vehicles. The vehicle can be fully charged within two hours and 50 minutes.
“The Mellor Sigma range are great little buses” – Kevin Hart, Director for LibertyBus
Kevin Hart, Director for LibertyBus, said: “We are excited about trialling the electric bus on the Island. The Mellor Sigma range are great little buses and we can’t wait to trial the bus on the network and share the results of the trial with the Government of Jersey. On Thursday 13 July between 10:00 and 14:00 the bus will be on show outside the Weighbridge and we invite the community of Jersey to get on board and take a look at the zero-emission bus. We will then be using the bus in service over the following few weeks to get a true picture of the compatibility to the Island’s roads.”
“The narrow width of 2.35m of the 8.7 metre long Sigma 8 and the 9.4 metre long Sigma 9 means they can navigate the narrow or constricted routes of the Channel Islands” – Richard Matthews, Sales Director at Mellor
Richard Matthews, Sales Director at Mellor, said: “Our Sigma range of buses are not only sustainable and electric, but they are tried and tested. The narrow width of 2.35m of the 8.7 metre long Sigma 8 and the 9.4 metre long Sigma 9 means they can navigate the narrow or constricted routes of the Channel Islands with ease and has ample capacity for up to 60 passengers.
“We believe our Sigma range of buses have huge potential to play a significant part in the island’s efforts to improve its public transportation. These trials are a significant moment for Mellor as we look to expand our bus offering in the Channel Islands.”