Hampshire-based Lucketts Travel has taken delivery of the UK’s first hybrid coach – Irizar’s i4H – for a two-week trial.
Lucketts Group Engineering Director Mark Jordan says: “We’re incredibly excited to take part in this important trial. Our drivers will be working closely with Irizar to give their feedback on how the vehicle works in a real-life.”
The i4H can reduce fuel consumption by more than 20%, says Irizar.
Irizar UK Director Steve O’Neill says: “It’s great to have such a high-profile company like Lucketts Travel trialling the UK’s first hybrid powered coach.
“I think initial reaction has been good and we believe that hybrid power is part of the strategy to helping to reduce emissions.”
Lucketts Travel MD, Tony Lawman, adds: “When it comes to improving air quality it is essential that coach travel is recognised as being one of the solutions.
“While coaches make up a very small proportion of vehicles on the road, we recognise that Lucketts is a big coach operator locally and we have a responsibility to look after the environment for the community we operate in.
“That’s why we’re working very hard to do everything we can to reduce our impact on the environment.
“I’m delighted that Lucketts is involved in this trial and looking forward to hearing how what drivers and customers think of it. If the vehicles prove a hit with staff and customers we’ll certainly be looking into getting our own hybrid coach in the not-too-distant future as part of our on-going investment in our fleet.”
