Serious interest is already being shown in Mellor’s new pure-electric minibus – the Orion E – with a number of potential customers currently in talks, says MD John Randerson.
Ahead of the vehicle’s launch at the CV Show at the NEC next Tuesday (25 April) – when it will hit the stage as the world’s first fully-low floor electric minibus – enquiries have already started arriving with the Rochdale-based firm.
Says Mr Randerson: “We’re in detailed dialogue with a number of customers already. There are people with serious intent.”
He expects that among the main buyers will be operators with a pre-planned route, tackling green credentials within an urban or city environment. The Orion E has a 100-mle range.
The arrival of Clean Air Zones (CAZs) – with around another 25 due to be announced shortly – is expected to increase interest in the Orion E.
“Likely buyers will have a specific criteria that they would like to meet, that a small electric vehicle will deliver for them,” he tells routeone.
“This could be a town centre shuttle or loop service, or a railway station link service in an urban environment.”
Although it will be at home on accessible transport duties, it is also targeted at stage carriage work.
Using the existing Orion bodyshell proven by its diesel-powered stablemate means that a high-degree of customisation is already available.
“If someone wants it to be like a small bus with a high-quality interior – such as leather seats, wi-fi, USB ports – this is all possible, thanks to using this versatile platform,” he says.
Meanwhile, the pre-production vehicle on show at the NEC has now completed type approval and extensive other testing at RDW’s Netherland’s facility.
The next stage is rigorous range-versus-topography analysis at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, including elements such as the site’s gruelling Alpine circuit.
Details at www.mellor-coachcraft.co.uk
