Mellor has expanded its accessible minibus range with the Orion Evolution. The 27-passenger Fiat Ducato-based fully low-floor model is available in both diesel and battery-electric form. In the former case has an “extremely competitive” baseline price of under £90,000.
The Orion Evolution is based on Mellor’s established Orion. The new model has a GVW that is uprated to 5,500kg. In diesel form it comes with a 180bhp engine coupled to a ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Changes made to the Ducato to support the additional weight include to the braking system and improvements to weight distribution, says Divisional Managing Director John Randerson. 21 seats are possible in the Orion Evolution, with six standees.
In battery-electric form, the Orion Evolution shares the same driveline that Mellor fits to the Orion E. The latter was durability tested to an enhanced GVW for that reason. “We also have considerable scalable power and torque available from our drivetrain,” adds Mr Randerson. The baseline price of a zero-emission Orion Evolution is around £180,000.
In addition to the benefits of low fuel or energy consumption, Mellor says that the use of widely available OEM parts will further benefit the total cost of ownership. In diesel form the Orion Evolution can return up to 20mpg, it adds.
“This vehicle plugs a niche but significant gap in the market,” continues Mr Randerson. “That is a gap that we believe will grow as operators realise the benefits that size-appropriate vehicles can bring: Large enough to cater for peak demands, yet small enough to offer a viable proposition off-peak and especially on rural routes.”
Mellor provides a 10-year structural warranty with the Orion Evolution. Its development is a further part of Mellor’s strategy for size-appropriate buses. The manufacturer adds that such a policy is “particularly pertinent” as the industry sees a “shifting patronage profile.”
In 2019 Mellor launched the Pico, which is aimed at demand-responsive work. Its coachbuilt Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Strata has found success in the scheduled bus market.
