Jersey operator LibertyBus has begun a three-week trial of a battery-electric Sigma 8 bus from Mellor Bus.
The operator will analyse energy consumption charging requirements and manoeuvrability of the vehicle. It is powered by CATL 210 kWh batteries and can last up to 160 miles on a single charge, which can be completed in two hours 50 minutes.
The bus is today (13 July) on display in front of the Royal Yacht for a driver recruitment day before being put into service on local routes.
Kevin Hart, Director for LibertyBus, adds: “We are excited about trialling the electric bus on the Island. The Mellor Sigma range are great little buses and we can’t wait to trial the bus on the network and share the results of the trial with the Government of Jersey.”
The Sigma range includes six models, from 7-12m with capacity from 31 to 80 passengers. The Sigma 8, which was debuted at Euro Bus Expo last autumn, has carries 54.
Richard Matthews, sales director at Mellor, says: “Our Sigma range of buses are not only sustainable and electric, but they are tried and tested. The narrow width of 2.35m of the 8.7m long Sigma 8 and the 9.4m long Sigma 9 means they can navigate the narrow or constricted routes of the Channel Islands with ease and has ample capacity for up to 60 passengers.
“We believe our Sigma range of buses have huge potential to play a significant part in the island’s efforts to improve its public transportation. These trials are a significant moment for Mellor as we look to expand our bus offering in the Channel Islands.”
