What's all the Bus about?
The UK has been particularly successful at decarbonising the new bus market, however, that green growth must extend to all sectors, in particular minibuses. Operators are ready to switch to greener mobility but timely action is essential to make sure the journey to net zero includes everyone.
Bus manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis ready to deliver a fully decarbonised UK market, but smaller and rural bus operators face challenges, with ambitious strategy needed to deliver incentives and infrastructure. They will build three Enviro100AEV autonomous buses for the consortium delivering the Connector project in Cambridge. Backed by Innovate UK, the Connector project consortium is led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership and already included bus operator Stagecoach, IPG Automotive, dRISK and Gamma Energy.
Advanced Electric Machines has a commercial rare earth free motor in use in electric buses and other vehicles in Europe, North America and Asia. These buses will contain their sustainable electric motor technology and will be crucial to meeting the government’s commitment to electrifying its fleet of public transportation buses.
The long-standing Mellor has delivered the first two Sigma 8s to a Scottish bus operator, Shuttle buses. The buses represent a significant milestone for Mellor; not only being the first Sigma in Scotland. Mellor will expand its Sigma battery-electric bus range as far as a 13.5m model, the manufacturer has revealed. Presently available at lengths between 7-12m, and while the longer Sigma 13 is being driven by requirements in Scandinavia, it will be offered in the UK if demand dictates.
World-beating zero-emissions bus manufacturer Wrightbus has unveiled plans for more jobs and widespread European expansion following 12 months of strong growth. Named Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing business by Growth Index this month, as well as the fastest-growing bus manufacturer in Europe, Wrightbus has come a long way since it was rescued out of administration by Jo Bamford in 2019.
Now, on the back of five landmark deals in Germany, and with a workforce heading towards 2,000 people, Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales has set his sights on further expansion.
The inclusion of these companies, to an already strong consortium, allows UK and Europe to move forward with confidence and deliver real benefits to our community.
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