Second Van Hool T16 Astron joins Richmonds Coaches fleet
Richmonds Coaches of Barley has added its second Van Hool T16 Astron, supplied by VDL Bus and Coach UK.
It follows an earlier example delivered in late 2025. The new coach has 53 Kiel seats in leather with diamond stitching. They come with drop-down tables, three-point belts, and USB charging points within the frame.
Other specification elements include a centre sunken toilet, a boiler, and a fridge. PSVAR compliance was required by the Hertfordshire operator, with a passenger lift over the front axle and silver LED destination displays.
A camera monitoring system is complemented by a 270-degree display of the sides and rear, a pedestrian warning system for the driver, peripheral downlighting, extra marker lights, and parking sensors within the rear bumper.
Power is from the DAF MX-13 engine at 530bhp coupled to an Allison T525R six-speed automatic gearbox, with the exterior in Richmonds Coaches’ distinctive livery.
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Wil Travel adds a high-specification Erener Revolution midicoach
Wil Travel of Dunfermline has introduced an Iveco Daily with coachbuilt Erener Revolution bodywork, supplied by EVM UK.
It is to a luxury fit-out, including 16 seats in grey with red trim at a 2+1 configuration. Three-point belts, diamond stitching and armrests at the window and aisle sides are included, as are USB-A, USB-C and 240-volt charging points. Two tables towards the rear continue the coordinated colour approach, as do the curtains.
A fridge within the dash, panoramic side glazing and LED internal lighting are also part of the package, as is a touchscreen-based multimedia system with saloon speakers.
Luggage space is within a rear boot and side lockers to give a total of around five cubic metres. The driver gets an electrically-powered sunblind, while a courier position is also provided.
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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.