London Hire is seeing growing interest in zero-emission vehicles, and it has extended its reach in that field to capture the Mellor Sigma range of battery-electric buses.
In addition to its work with the Sigma, London Hire showed the Ford E-Transit and the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric in passenger-carrying form at Euro Bus Expo. The supplier has developed a suite of lightweight products to fit out those vehicles, and interest from local authorities (LAs) is already strong, says Sales and Operations Director Peter Moxom.
Key to that is the funding packages offered by London Hire, Mr Moxom continues. Battery-electric minibuses can be offered via leasing and rental, and he adds that diesels can be exchanged for electric over the course of a contract.
Battery-electric growing among LAs, London Hire finds
“LAs are very aware of zero-emission,” says Mr Moxom. “It is good for special educational needs requirements. The ride is smooth and quiet, which is beneficial for passengers in that sector, and those routes often come with a lot of vehicle downtime. It can be the case that charging is required only twice a week.”
London Hire can maintain electric minibuses in house as it can diesel examples, and all five of its workshops can repair the zero-emission types.
In addition, Ford is carrying out a programme of work to upskill its dealerships on the E-Transit.
“Leasing and rental is attractive to customers although we expect it will be two or three years until the market for zero-emission minibuses settles,” Mr Moxom continues.
“We offer those products on the same terms as diesel minibuses for a reason: It will bring customers onboard quicker. We have flexible terms and we are seeing people look towards leasing electric vehicles.”
The E-Transit is converted for London Hire by Minibus Options and Treka. 60 are on order, with the first to arrive in early 2023. The Vivaro Electric comes from Volta Mobility and has a maximum of eight seats, and one wheelchair user. When accessibility is not required, the ramp area sits flat and can accommodate luggage instead.
Orders for Mellor Sigma already placed
On the Mellor Sigma, London Hire has already placed orders for the Sigma 7 in low-floor format, and to high-floor layout with a rear-mounted lift (pictured, top). Mellor says that the latter vehicle can carry up to seven wheelchair users. London Hire will work across the Sigma range, including the full-length Sigma 12.
“We will offer the Sigma through five- to 15-year terms on contract hire or lease, and warrant the batteries for up to 15 years,” says Mr Moxom.
The high-floor Sigma 7 is comparable to a coachbuilt diesel minibus for passenger-carrying purposes, he adds.
London Hire is looking to work with businesses in the mainstream coach and bus sector on the Sigma range. It has formed a partnership with Zenobe on associated infrastructure and batteries, and has already committed to placing a member of the Sigma range into its own fleet, which it will run on behalf of Zeelo.
“We could maintain Sigma vehicles on behalf of the customer in some cases, or we could train its technicians on them. Zero-emission is good for the end user and we are delighted to be working in this sector.”
