Irizar has launched an i3 Normal Floor battery-electric low-height coach that the builder expects to come to the UK in due course.
The product debuts at Busworld in 12.2m, two-axle form, although Irizar says other lengths will follow. As shown, it has 528kWh of battery capacity using lithium iron phosphate chemistry, although other battery choices will come as the breadth of the model expands.
Up to 53 passengers can be carried. The show example has a Masats passenger lift at its broad centre nearside door, with room for a wheelchair user directly opposite.
A range of up to 450km is claimed by Irizar. Six battery packs are fitted: two at the rear, and four on the roof. Charging is via CCS2 at up to 150kW, with front or rear connection options. The model is also compatible with pantograph-based opportunity replenishment at 300kW.
Irizar Group CEO Imanol Rego says arrival of the i3 Normal Floor “completes the offer of the i3 [range],” which thus far has been deployed in low-entry bus applications. He adds that growth of the Spanish OEM’s zero-emission range continues a path of decarbonisation “with a technological neutrality.”
Over seven cubic metres of underfloor luggage space is included, with options of manual or powered bay doors. That is part of what Irizar says is “a completely vanguard design” to maximise passenger and baggage space.
Drive is taken via a 260kW motor coupled to a three-speed gearbox. The manufacturer adds that it has worked hard on the vehicle to leverage serviceability. All electronics are within the interior and not outside the cabin.
Some components in the i3 Normal Floor are shared with other Irizar products. The new model will be available only with a camera monitoring system; no rear-view mirror fitment is expected. It also complies with EU R29 regulations on driver and passenger protection in a head-on collision.
On right-hand drive plans, Irizar Export Sales Director Javier Goikoetxea notes that “there is a demand” in the UK for such a coach, although he cautions that coming of a right-hand drive variant will follow work in left-hand drive.
Mr Goikoetxea adds that development of the Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen fuel cell-electric high-floor coach continues. A prototype of that vehicle was shown at Busworld in 2023. The first example of a second-generation of the i6S Efficient Hydrogen is in build.
