Optare – which describes itself as “the UK leaders in electric bus design” promises to “excite the industry once again” with the launch of its next-generation of Optare electric bus offering.
“Expect to be impressed by the range, efficiency, passenger capacity and weight of Optare’s ‘next generation’ of fully electric buses to be unveiled at Euro Bus Expo 2018.” Says the Sherburn-in-Elmet based firm.
In response to customer requirements and following the success of the Allison xFE transmission launched at Euro Bus Expo 2016, Optare is now the first OEM to integrate this fuel saving transmission into all its single deck buses as standard.
During recent independent testing conducted under conditions representative of actual service, the Optare Euro 6 single deck range fitted with xFE transmission and FuelSense 2.0 Max returned an annual fuel economy improvement equivalent of up to £1,176 (excluding VAT) per vehicle over previous Euro 6 models.
The saving is based on an average annual operating mileage of 50,000 miles per year and fuel cost of £4.85 per gallon (excluding VAT).
The Solo and Versa demonstrator examples of these Euro 6 extra fuel-efficient vehicles will be on display at Euro Bus Expo 2018 (30 October-1 November) NEC, Birmingham, featuring the latest interiors, “designed to delight the passenger.”
Adds Optare: “Improving efficiency has always featured highly in the minds of operators but it has now become more imperative as our towns and cities strive to improve air quality on the journey towards zero-emissions.”
“Optare’s monocoque space frame design, not only helps to deliver a lighter bus, but also allows Optare’s engineers to integrate the very best components to improve vehicle efficiency, reduce emissions and deliver the best possible bottom line for operators without compromising on passenger comfort and appeal.”
