Irizar ie tram fleet for Go-Ahead London makes debut
In a long-awaited move, Irizar e-mobility and Go-Ahead London have confirmed that 20 ie tram single-deck battery-electric buses along with related charging infrastructure are due for delivery soon to convert Transport for London (TfL) route 358 to zero-emission.
They will enter service in 2023 and be charged via two 450kW inverted pantograph-based units placed at the Crystal Palace and Orpington termini. 100kW depot chargers capable of replenishing two buses simultaneously at 50kW each are also on order, all to be supplied by Irizar Group subsidiary Jema Energy and with the inverted pantograph units to be installed by EO Charging.
A first ie tram for Go-Ahead London has been completed by Irizar and it will be displayed at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham between 1-3 November. The manufacturer says the type’s tram-esque design and airy internal approach “makes it stand out from other buses.”
The opportunity charging approach means that onboard battery storage is optimised to maximise passenger capacity. Fitted is a single-piece front door combined with a full-width centre two-piece installation.
Opportunity charging between trips will take “less than five minutes.” A short depot-top up will be delivered after running off service.
Speaking about the pending delivery, Irizar e-mobility Managing Director Inigo Etxeberria says: “We are delighted that Go-Ahead London, the capital’s largest bus operator, has chosen our technology. This is clear testament to the confidence placed in our products, and proof of their quality and reliability.
“London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honoured for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal. Our technological race continues, and this operation will see our company launching the first super-fast charging route in London, complying with the high standards set by TfL.”
Opportunity charging has already been introduced by Go-Ahead London on a batch of BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deckers. Go-Ahead London first operated battery-electric buses from Irizar in 2015, when it took delivery of a pair of i2e models.
In describing the extension of the concept to servicee 358 with the Irizar ie tram fleet, TfL says that the 15-mile route requires opportunity charging to convert to zero-emission, as depot battery replenishment would give insufficient range for completion of a full operating day.
Euro Bus Expo will be held between 1-3 November at the NEC Birmingham. Register for free tickets here. Irizar e-mobility will be on stand A10.
Newport Transport orders two Yutong U11DD deckers
Newport Transport has become the first UK customer to commit to the forthcoming Yutong battery-electric double-decker bus, now known as the U11DD. The South Wales municipal signed an order at Euro Bus Expo for two examples to be delivered in mid-2023.
In completing the deal, Newport Transport has taken to 50 the number of Yutong battery-electric vehicles it has either already received or has on order. 32 E10 and E12 single-decker buses are in service and 12 more are due soon. Four TCe12 battery-electric coaches have also been ordered recently for 2023 delivery.
Presently Yutong is carrying out durability testing on a UK-specification U11DD in China. Once that is complete, it will construct a demonstrator for supplier Pelican Bus and Coach in addition to the two for Newport Transport.
As already revealed, the U11DD will have 385kW/h of battery capacity and the same driveline as the established E10 and E12 models. It leverages existing double-decker knowledge from markets in China and Singapore, and like the two single-deckers, the U11DD will be able to accept twin high-powered DC CCS2 connections for rapid charging.
Speaking about the order, Newport Bus Managing Director Scott Pearson says that good service from the existing Yutong fleet was a factor in the decision, as was the support received from Pelican. “We are confident in Yutong’s ability to build the double-decker and in Pelican’s ability to support it,” says Mr Pearson.
Adds Head of Yutong Sales Ian Downie: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Newport Bus with this latest agreement. It was the first UK operator to both order and take delivery of production Yutong battery-electric buses.”
Translink progressing with full-fleet Wheely-Safe rollout
Northern Ireland operator Translink says it is in the process of completing a full-fleet rollout of Wheely-Safe technology across its 1,400 coaches and buses.
The product, which received an Innovation Challenge Gold Award at Euro Bus Expo in early November, is an in-motion wheel loss detection system that combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
As installed by Translink, the Wheely-Safe product has external TPMS sensors replacing the conventional valve cap. They auto pair with an in-cab receiver and work alongside a pair of wheel loss sensors on each wheel. Diagnostic software built into the receiver confirms that all sensors are working and paired correctly.
Translink signed a contract with Wheely-Safe in 2021. The operator's General Manager Engineering David Barnett says rollout of the technology is "another important part of our ongoing process to install industry-leading health and safety standards across our fleet."
Mr Barnett adds that a trial was completed before completing the order. It "confirmed all the positive reports we had previously heard about the product. Having one system in place that alerts our drivers to a drop in tyre pressure, brake or hub overheating or a wheel nut loosening gives us real peace of mind."
Comments Wheely-Safe Group Managing Director Gary Broadfield: "This is a significant contract, one of the largest since we first brought the technology to market. It is great to know our latest generation technology is now protecting Translink's entire bus fleet, and all its customers in Northern Ireland."