We catch up with Horsham-based vehicle manufacturer EVM to find out more about sustainability and innovation in the coach and bus industry. Plus, which vehicles they will be showcasing at Euro Bus Expo.
Company name: EVM UK
Year founded: 2010
Headquarters/location: Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex
Main products: Luxury, Electric, Community Transport
Can you tell us more about EVM and what you do?
We’re a dedicated, conscientious and down-to-earth team, individually expert but united by a shared ambition to elevate the passenger experience. We’re building bespoke vehicle solutions so that everyone – from a disabled child on the way to school to a busy senior executive on an airport transfer – can travel easily, in safety, style and comfort.
We do more than just enable drivers to transport people from A to B. Never resting on our laurels, we use our collective ingenuity, the most appropriate technology, and an exemplary level of service to make sure all our customers enjoy the ownership experience, and all their passengers enjoy the journey.
How important is Euro Bus Expo to your business and the industry?
Euro Bus Expo is one of the biggest events in the calendar for us. It’s an event the whole industry looks forward to.
What are you most looking forward to about the show?
Networking and catching up with new and existing customers. After so long it will be nice to see a buzz within the industry again.
Looking ahead, what’s the biggest opportunity for the coach and bus industry in the coming years?
The transition to electric product is an opportunity to elevate the whole industry and the service level it provides to our customers. Our industry is changing, and it presents opportunities for us to expand our offering to our customers.
Can you give us an example of what your business is doing to be even more sustainable?
We plan to be net zero by 2050. We are also focusing on our social and environmental values and to be more aware of our Co2 footprint. For every new vehicle we donate £250 to your local chosen charity as well as the option to plant trees and offset your vehicle carbon footprint. We’re also dedicated to reusing cardboard and recycling metal where we can. As a company, we support local businesses and take part in charity events each year to raise awareness.
How many vehicles in your range are zero-emission?
Our electric models are: Electric Cityline, Electric CM, Novo Citi Volt, Citi Port, E-Elegance. We plan to have the full range of models in electric in the near future.
Do you see battery-electric or hydrogen as the more prominent power source in the future?
The inefficiencies of the whole life cycle of hydrogen are hard to overcome and will find low traction in small form factor vehicles like minibus where BEV has already found much favour. However, as H2 becomes available in true green format and adopted by larger vehicles, the opportunities for smaller vehicles will present themselves also.
How do you think the industry can continue to reduce its carbon footprint?
The continued drive in public tendering to focus on social and environmental issues will drive development towards more sustainable practices. This needs to remain the primary driver.
What’s your current bestseller?
Our Cityline model
What vehicles will you be promoting at the show?
- Grand Tourer 19 + Guide – Coach Built on the Sprinter 519 L3 VS30
- Revolution 29 + Guide PSVAR – Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cowl
- EVM Electric CM – Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cab
- EVM Electric Cityline – Built on the Sprinter 517 L4 H2 VS30
- EVM Luxury Mini Coach
- Isuzu Novo Citi Volt 8m – Electric
- Isuzu Visigo 9.5m
- Grand Toro 8.5m
What new tech should coach and bus operators be looking to invest in?
The BEV Minibus and bus is here now. It’s an extremely well refined product giving between 193 miles and 495 miles depending on model. There is now no excuse for air quality issues in our urban centres.
Why is innovation so vital to the future of the industry?
The world is constantly moving and evolving. It’s important to grow as a business with the new technologies and data that we are surrounded by. Alongside the drive for zero emissions are significant improvements in total cost of ownership and enhanced aftersales thanks to vehicle connectivity. The adoption of our latest range of products and the support we give to them will make your business more efficient.
Visit EVM UK on stand A80 at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham on 1-3 November 2022.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.eurobusxpo.com.