Irizar shares developments on zero-emission coach offerings
Introduction of a dedicated right-hand-drive hydrogen fuel-cell electric coach for the UK is being hampered by the country's hydrogen ecosystem, executives from Irizar Group have said.
The statement comes after the company detailed progress with the second generation of development on its fuel-cell electric coach prototype, which continues to target a 1,000km range for long-distance zero-emission operation.
Chief Executive of Irizar S. Coop Imanol Rego (pictured) and Irizar UK Managing Director Andrew Blundell note the Group has “big ambitions” to grow its presence in the UK market, but that the arrival of the fuel-cell electric coach, currently a proof-of-concept, hinges on developments in the hydrogen ecosystem.
Mr Rego says that includes investments in electrolysers and the availability of green hydrogen. “As soon as we see developments in green hydrogen increase, and the availability of a competitive price for hydrogen, the platform will be here,” he adds.
The hydrogen coach programme forms part of development of a broader electric coach platform. Mr Rego hints that Irizar is also monitoring battery technology closely and that a long-distance battery-electric coach may follow when energy density reaches the level needed to meet the group’s specification for extended-haul work. “We are on the new generation of batteries, the third generation, and closer to making a coach that would meet the specification for long-distance applications,” he says.
Until then, hydrogen offers a means of delivering on range without the penalty associated with large battery packs.
Andrew Blundell, Managing Director of Irizar UK, also stresses that introduction of a fuel-cell electric option “is not about the vehicle — it’s about the supply of hydrogen, and the infrastructure.”
Last year, the government confirmed £500 million in support for hydrogen infrastructure announced in the Spending Review, which it says will enable the development of the first regional hydrogen transport and storage network.
Wheelers Travel adds a pair of Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coaches
Wheelers Travel of Southampton has continued its fleet investment programme with the arrival of a pair of Mercedes-Benz Tourismo coaches, supplied by Daimler Buses UK.
They seat 53 in Travel Star Eco fabric upholstery. Armrests, drop-down tables and USB charging are present at each position, while both vehicles have a centre sunken toilet.
PSVAR compliance has been specified, a package that uses a factory-fitted passenger lift and white LED destination displays. The driver benefits from a heated seat and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Safety items include a rear-view camera, Active Brake Assist 6, Sideguard Assist 2 and Traffic Sign Assist. Polished alloy wheels and cherished registration marks complete the visual element of the new Tourismo pair.
Under the bonnet, they are both powered by a 7.7-litre OM 936 engine developing 350bhp coupled to the eight-speed PowerShift automated manual gearbox.
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Mainline Coaches continues fleet investment with more Yutongs
Mainline Coaches has added a further pair of Yutong vehicles to its fleet in the form of a GT12 full-size model and a latest-generation TC9 midi, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.
Both will deliver tours and private hire services. The GT12 is a 53-seat example with a camera monitoring system, while the TC9 is a 34-seater. They are to a high specification, giving what the Gilfach Goch operator says is versatility and a quality travel experience.
Arrival of the two newcomers follows previous Yutong deliveries to Mainline Coaches, the first of which was a TC9 in 2020. It now has five each of the smaller model and of the larger variant within a total fleet of 42 vehicles.
General Manager Colin Lloyd Jones notes how customer and driver feedback has been “consistently excellent, reflecting the quality and reliability of the vehicles.”
Both of the latest coaches entered service immediately. The TC9 operated a tour of Cornwall for a German group, while the GT12 was deployed to northern England with a Canadian party.
Director Chris Mainwaring adds that the most recent investment reflects a continued commitment to fleet modernisation and service quality from the South Wales business, “ensuring that the company remains competitive in the growing UK coach tourism and private hire sector.”
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