Past, present and future on show at Switch Mobility
Switch Mobility’s vehicles at EBE demonstrate where it has come from… and where it is going
Switch took the opportunity to present its future, present and past at Euro Bus Expo (EBE) from 1-3 November, with the presence on the stand of its e1, Metrocity and Solo products.
The primary focus was Switch’s opportunity to showcase the new Switch e1 single-deck battery-electric bus to a UK-centric audience, following earlier announcements that it may come to Britain if demand dictates. The vehicle was revealed at the Paris European Mobility Expo in June.
Representing the past for Switch was the Solo product from the former Optare business. The Solo on site framed “open and creative conversations with customers about the next iteration of small electric bus,” according to Mr Moore, and has been giving customers and operators the opportunity to feed back what they love and would improve as the operator looks to the next product offering.
“That was a little bit of a different approach but something I was keen to do, as we have a presentation where we talk to the future product, with visuals that take viewers through our statement of intent for the future in that part of the market,” explains Mr Moore. “We can then frame it with the current product, so synonymous with rural bus travel and interurban travel: An iconic wheel-forward proportion, raked windscreen, and signature agility – all of those things people love about the Solo. We can effectively say what we have retained and improved upon, taking a fresh look at ergonomics, passenger experience, design elements, and battery technology.”
Mr Moore takes the opportunity to emphasise how Switch sees itself as a single-point partner in the move to electromobility for operators. “One thing that I believe people find quite refreshing about us is the conversations they can have, the ability to reach people within the organisation that have solutions to their specific problems and how forthcoming we can be with supporting them.
“Obviously, there are a lot of questions from anyone who is looking to make the change to an electric fleet. Our name – Switch – is a real statement of intent, and an acknowledgement of that journey that people are on and the perceived challenges associated. We’re that single-point partner that can help them with that process and that journey.”
Turas 900s PSVAR 'to set new accessible midi standard'
The new Turas 900s in DAF LF-based, PSVAR compliant form will "set a new benchmark in the industry for wheelchair accessible midicoaches" at Euro Bus Expo, importer Brian Noone has said. It will be exhibited on a joint stand occupied by Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales.
Visitors will be able to compare 33-seat and 37-seat variants of the Turas 900s. Brian Noone says that the model has class leading luggage capacity of 5.5 cubic metres and 6.5 cubic metres respectively. To PSVAR compliant specification, complete with lift, the 900s will offer more luggage space than before, adds Director Mark Noone.
Joining the Turas 900s on the stand will be examples of the Turas 700s, Turas 500s and the low-floor Rosero Connect. The new model 16-seat, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Turas 500s is making its show debut in a high specification for Acklams Coaches, including natural leather upholstery and two tables.
Brian Noone says the Turas 500s boasts best in class design, leg room, comfort and luggage space. The 29-seat Turas 700s on an Iveco Daily underframe will also be fitted out to a high specification, including natural leather seats and an integrated dash fridge.
The fourth vehicle on display will be a 29-seat, accessible low-floor Rosero Connect, with a modern interior finish and including upgraded passenger seats with three-point belts, USB charging points and a rear boot.
Euro Bus Expo 2022 will host Jones Coach and Bus Sales for the first time. Managing Director Steve Jones says that the Llanrwst-based dealership is "super excited" to see the new Turas 900s in PSVAR compliant form.
"We are delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at Euro Bus Expo and sharing the stand with Brian Noone. As the England and Wales approved dealer, we are really excited about our plans and the future," adds Mr Jones.
"I would say to any interested operators to come and see us on stand J60. We look forward to speaking to them, finding out about their needs and seeing how Jones Coach and Bus Sales can help them build for the future."
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Brian Noone and Jones Coach and Bus Sales will be on stand J60.
Nottingham City Transport orders 12 Yutong E12s
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has placed its first order for battery-electric buses in the form of 12 Yutong E12s. They are expected to enter service from Trent Bridge depot in late 2023.
Ordering the Yutong fleet forms the first vehicular procurement in a £34m project that was awarded £15.2m from the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) mechanism and which will facilitate 78 battery-electric single-deckers for Nottingham City Transport.
In addition to the E12s from Pelican Bus and Coach, NCT has appointed Zenobe Energy as charging infrastructure provider. Zenobe will manage necessary construction, the delivery and implementation of charging software, and optimise use of the vehicles. The current infrastructure will allow NCT’s battery-electric fleet to grow in the future.
NCT Head of Engineering Liam O’Brien says that deals have been struck with Pelican and Zenobe after “a rigorous procurement process and operational trials of several electric buses.” Mr O’Brien adds that the Yutong and Zenobe combination was “a clear winner” of that. The E12s will perform a full day’s work on one overnight charge, he says.
The business case for ZEBRA funding submitted by Nottingham City Council in January notes that when all 78 battery-electric buses are delivered, NCT’s single-deck fleet will be entirely zero-emission. That forms part of an aim to have a 100% zero-emission and biogas-powered operation across the board by 2028.
The Nottingham ZEBRA bid is focused only on single-decker buses because the diesel examples in the NCT fleet are currently “nearing the end of their operational life” in the city. Investment in new battery-electric buses is thus “only brought forward slightly” from usual practice. Existing diesel single-deckers – all of which are Euro VI compliant – will be disposed of for continued use elsewhere.
While the 12 battery-electric buses ordered so far are full-length examples, the business case calls for the outstanding 68 to be 33-seaters. An NCT spokesperson says that those vehicles will be tendered for in two batches in 2023.