Irizar i6S Efficient integral makes UK debut on roadshow
The first Irizar i6S Efficient integral has arrived in the UK and was quickly dispatched on the first part of dealership Irizar UK’s summer roadshow. That will see the vehicle displayed to operators from the north of Scotland to Devon as the Spanish manufacturer bids to capitalise on what it described at launch as “the coach of the future.”
Significant work has been done to reduce weight and drag, which Irizar claims will deliver a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 13% in a like-for-like comparison. The first right-hand drive i6S Efficient integral is a two-axle, 55-seat example that is PSVAR compliant. It has a DAF MX-11 engine developing 408bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
Irizar UK Sales Director Julie Hartley says that the summer roadshow will last for around five weeks. In addition to England and Scotland the coach will visit Wales, with Mrs Hartley adding that stops will be made at “a lot of operators” to take account of the strong interest seen so far.
In May, Golden Boy Coaches of Hoddesdon became the first operator in the UK to order an i6S Efficient integral in the form of a 13.2m tri-axle example. Mrs Hartley says that orders from other operators have since been confirmed. Irizar UK also plans to hold the i6S Efficient integral in stock in the future.
The first demonstrator is finished in mid-blue livery. It comes with the manufacturer’s optional rear-view camera system that contributes to drag reduction.
Test data from Spain shows that the promise of excellent fuel economy is accurate, she adds. “The results are positive, and both ourselves and colleagues in Spain are very confident that this is a highly efficient vehicle.”
A further i6S Efficient integral demonstrator will arrive in September. It will be a two-axle, 53-seat PSVAR compliant example and be displayed on Irizar UK’s stand at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November while the initial coach continues its customer evaluation work.
Sky staff and visitor shuttle fleet gains battery-electrics
Telecommunications group Sky is working with Alexander Dennis, BYD, Cobra Corporate Services and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach to introduce eight BYD ADL Enviro200EV battery-electric buses to its staff and visitor shuttle services in Edinburgh and London.
Cobra will operate the vehicles on Sky’s behalf. It has chosen Dawsongroup Bus and Coach’s fully supported contract hire solution, allowing Cobra to focus on service delivery. The first two Enviro200EVs entered service between Livingston Campus in Scotland's central belt and public transport hubs on 2 August, while the remaining six will commence operation at Osterley Campus in London on 15 August.
Introduction of the Enviro200EV shuttle fleet for staff and visitors is part of a goal for Sky to become net-zero carbon by 2030. The buses will complete a full day’s work on one charge and replace diesel vehicles previously used.
Says Cobra Corporate Services Director Steve Dowling: “After many months of research, discussions and preparation to ensure that the correct products were used, BYD and ADL are the right choice of electric bus for us to integrate into the Sky Zero strategy.
“The decision to continue the relationship with Dawsongroup and our chosen infrastructure suppliers made all the hard work that much easier. Pooling in knowledge from the industry leaders in bus and charger manufacturing has enabled a confident launch of service delivery as we enter our operations into the world of electrically propelled passenger transport.”
Adds Dawsongroup Bus and Coach Sales Director Fraser Innes: “This has been a fantastic project to be part of, from the early planning to the rollout of the product. We are delighted to have partnered with Cobra Corporate Services in providing this innovative solution for its client and supporting it with the premium service levels required over the years to come.”
Alexander Dennis claims that the Sky project involving battery-electric buses “is the largest of its kind in the country.” The BYD ADL partnership now has over 1,400 zero-emission buses in service or on order across the UK.
Wheely-Safe gains DVSA Recognised accreditation
The latest generation of the Wheely-Safe wheel loss detection system has become one of the first products to be recognised by DVSA via the award of its DVSA Recognised label.
In the format accredited by DVSA, Wheely-Safe combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure warning system. DVSA introduced the DVSA Recognised label earlier in 2022 to enable non-statutory road safety products to be recognised as being “well designed and delivered with genuine potential to improve road safety.”
The latest generation Wheely-Safe equipment is telematics ready, bringing increased opportunity for connectivity and reporting, the supplier notes.
Adds Group Director Gary Thomas: “We founded the business in 2010 with the goal to develop low cost, easy to use and easy to fit, highly durable and extremely effective solutions that can have a real impact on improving road safety.
“The ultimate aim was to end the global issue of wheel loss once and for all, while also tackling wheel and temperature issues – the largest cause of fires in commercial vehicles after the engine.
“We are now well on the way to hitting those targets. Today, our patented sensor technology is being adopted across many areas of road transport – protecting thousands of PSVs and HGVs both in the UK and internationally. To have our products recognised by DVSA is a hugely important step on our journey.”