Irish commercial vehicle distributor Harris Group has introduced its larger 12m electric city bus, the Higer Azure, which has been designed for the public transport sector across Ireland and the UK.
The zero-emission single-decker bus has a range of up to 400km on a single charge carrying 42 seated passengers, plus room for a wheelchair and standees. Labelled a “smart” bus, the technology-equipped EV is able to learn its routes and adapt accordingly, ensuring it is efficient and economical to run and maintain.
According to John McEvoy, chief operating officer at Harris Group, the new Azure is the perfect antidote to ‘range anxiety’. He said: “We have worked very closely with our partners at Higer Bus Ltd. to develop intelligent technologies specifically for our commercial fleet.
“The technology effectively learns the roads and routes that the bus is being driven on and adapts accordingly to ensure optimum use of power; something we’re very proud to have been involved in.
“Coupled with this is the incredible fast charging capability of the Azure, which helps to minimise the downtime that some operators associate with recharging electric vehicles.”
The vehicle was showcased in a trial late last year when it travelled from Dublin to Cork non-stop to showcase its range.
McEvoy added: “This trial showed the capability of this advanced electric vehicle. It showed that it can easily operate for long periods in a city environment and at the same time be clean, efficient and sustainable.”
Harris Group already has several 8m fully electric buses, Higer Steeds, in operation. The addition of a bigger option with an expanded range aims to debunk any myths around the capabilities of passenger commercial EVs.
