Sigma – Mellor’s new battery electric bus range unveiled

Last month Mellor announced its new Sigma range of integral battery electric low floor city buses. Now it has now taken the wraps off the first two of what will grow to be a line-up of six different individually tailored length variants by the end of next year. All are Whole Vehicle Type Approved and will be available in both left and right hand drive. There will be door and width variants offering capacities of between 30 and 80 passengers. The two debutantes are the 6.99m Sigma 7 model and the 10.25m Sigma 10.

The new Mellor Sigma 10

Completely designed and engineered in the UK by Promech Technologies, like Mellor part of Woodall Nicholson group, the philosophy is to precisely match each specification to what is needed for a daily range of around 160 miles. Thus the Sigma 10 has a 210kW output, is mounted on 19.5 inch rims and has a 16tonne GVW. Lower overall weights mean that less battery power is required for propulsion with the result that less energy is required for charging and charging times can be quicker. The Sigma 10 will charge in around two hours and 15 minutes while the 8.0tonne GVW Sigma7 will charge in 85 to 90 minutes.

The Mellor Sigma7 has 17.5 inch wheels and recharges in 85-90 minutes

Key features include a stainless steel frame, composite floor and carbon fibre body panels. Powered body frames are built in China and will be shipped to the new Mellor Sigma plant, scheduled to open next year, for painting and the addition of seats, doors, ramps and poles.

Lithium-ion battery technology is from CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd) one of the world’s biggest players. Otherwise the key componentry is all from well known names in the European market, all with support networks in place, which Mellor hopes will make it more attractive to operators.

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