Mellor delivers Sigma 8s to Shuttle Buses

Mellor has delivered the first two Sigma 8 electric buses to Ayrshire-based Shuttle Buses.

The buses are the first of the manufacturer’s Sigma range to be delivered in Scotland, as well as the first customer examples of the electric midi-bus.

Each of the two Sigma 8s have 27 seats and 27 standees and have been configured to Mellor’s ‘rural’ specification with a single passenger door. They join eight Mellor Stratas already running in Shuttle Buses’ fleet. They were part-funded by Transport Scotland under their ScotZEB scheme, with financing from Virgin Money Asset Finance Direct.

“Our two Sigma 8s have settled down well and we’re achieving 145 miles a day with battery power to spare, even in a Scottish winter” – Ross Granger, Managing Director of Shuttle Buses

Ross Granger, Managing Director of Shuttle Buses, said: “Our two Sigma 8s have settled down well and we’re achieving 145 miles a day with battery power to spare, even in a Scottish winter. Drivers and passengers alike appreciate the ‘big bus’ feel of the Sigma, and we look forward to continuing to partner with Mellor as we move towards an all-electric fleet.”

Before placing an order, the long-standing Mellor customer tested a Sigma 10 demonstrator.

“Our whole philosophy is about making the purchasing and aftersales process easier for our customers” – Bus Division Managing Director at Mellor, Morgan Clissett

Bus Division Managing Director at Mellor, Morgan Clissett, said: “Shuttle Buses were undoubtedly impressed with the quality, engineering and refinement of the Sigma. The company’s previous experience in working with us has, for them, allowed for a smoother transition to EVs than with another manufacturer. Our whole philosophy is about making the purchasing and aftersales process easier for our customers. We see it as a partnership, rather than a single transaction.”