Switch Mobility celebrates progress after one-year anniversary
Switch Mobility has provided an update on its progress after celebrating its one-year anniversary on 8 April 2022.
Since its formation in April last year the company has placed 300 vehicles on the road and boasts an order book for over 650 buses, with another 1,200 "in the pipeline". Collectively they have clocked up some 30 million electric miles.
In that time it has appointed ex-Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer as CEO, expanded to nine locations across three countries and two continents (significantly breaking ground at its Valladolid site, its first in mainland Europe in March) and is set to launch its first 12m electric bus in India this year, while its first 12m European bus, code named Project ODIN, will be formally launched at the European Expo in Paris on 7 June.
Other planned investments include €100m in Spain over the next decade and £300m in the UK and India over the medium term, as part of efforts to become a market leader in the zero-carbon segments. To that end, Switch is believed to be the first global bus manufacturer to be formally certified as a carbon neutral company.
Says CEO Andy Palmer: "I am delighted with the progress we have made over the last 12 months. In a highly competitive sector, Switch has continued to grow, both in profile and in market share, and it is very pleasing that we are increasingly seen as a leading player in the industry.
"The investment interest we have garnered and the quality of partnerships we have formed are testament to that achievement. Our team of talented engineers have developed some of the most innovative vehicles and technologies currently available on the market, which continue to develop at pace. We have started 2022 well, building on last year’s momentum, and have an exciting 12 months ahead with the development of our site in Spain and further product launches, including our latest project at the European Mobility Expo in June, and electric LCVs in India."
ShuttleID offers free tracking with ticketing system purchase
School bus pass and ticketing platform ShuttleID is offering free live vehicle tracking for twelve months with the purchase of one of its school ticketing packages in May.
In addition to tracking, the free upgrade from ShuttleID also provides operators with real-time ticket scanning data within a single system. The Live add-on, which launched earlier in 2022, is powered by what ShuttleID describes as “a driver friendly app” that utilises a 4G connection. Passengers and parents can see the vehicle’s exact location, which is accessed from the mobile ticket on their phone.
The supplier adds that this app provides a simple way to keep passengers and parents updated while helping operators to reduce administration time. Location data is only shared when the driver commences the journey and updates until the trip is finished. As the app is also used to scan tickets, “the single system makes it convenient to use and manage.”
Adds ShuttleID Director Chris Bell: “With the Live add-on, vehicle location is conveniently available to customers that hold a valid ticket for their school bus. With the map available to the passenger at a tap of a button from their ticket, it is easy for them to see where their bus is.
“Operators using the Live add-on tell us that they have already seen a drop in phone calls to their operations teams since introduction. The other key benefit is that they are able to see passenger boarding data in real time, which is a further safeguarding tool and acts as assurance to parents that their child is in safe hands."
The offer ends on 31 May.
Irizar i6S Efficient launched as 'the coach of the future'
Irizar has revealed the i6S Efficient, which it says is “the coach of the future." The newcomer takes the established i6S model and introduces a slew of improvements to deliver a like-for-like weight reduction of 950kg and a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 13%, the OEM claims.
The i6S Efficient retains Irizar’s traditional design cues, but redesign work at the front and rear and to the roof has contributed to a reduction in its aerodynamic coefficient by 30%. That is furthered by an optional rear-view camera system in lieu of mirrors.
While the changes reduce the environmental footprint of the i6S Efficient, Irizar notes that they also cut running costs and deliver increased luggage carrying capacity and passenger space.
Weight reduction has come via analysis of every component in the vehicle and includes the use of high-strength steel and composite materials. Weight distribution has also been improved. A more efficient range of Hispacold climate control units features, along with a redesigned cab area. Changes to materials used on the structure increase safety and improve the coach’s response to torsion and flexing.
Efficiency is furthered by the new model’s connected architecture that includes remote diagnostics and self-diagnosis. Connectivity systems have been developed by Datik and involve cloud storage of data and usage statistics relating to the coach.
In addition to the combustion of diesel and renewable fuels, Irizar says that the i6S Efficient is “designed to be adapted to future zero-emission models.”
The new product will be available in two- and three-axle form in both DAF-powered integral format and body-on-chassis configuration, including on Scania underframes, and to ex-factory PSVAR compliant layout.
For more detail on the Irizar i6S integral, including how it will fit into the UK coach market, see the May issue of routeone, published on 11 May. View a YouTube video of the i6S Efficient here.