The government should offer a greater incentive for the uptake of zero-emission (ZE) minibuses, says Mellor MD John Randerson.
Mr Randerson was speaking as the Rochdale manufacturer launched its latest-generation Orion E, which offers a passenger capacity of up to 16 and a 100-mile range on a single charge (see News, p11).
“Currently, the focus on ZE is in full-sized buses. We would like to see that expand to the smaller sector. A move to ZE is inevitable, but greater support will deliver a wider route to market for products like the Orion E,” he says.
Funding would act as a catalyst for the uptake of ZE in minibuses, adds Mr Randerson.
“There are economies of scale to be had; as more that are produced, the cost reduces. Mellor is promoting that dialogue with the government.”
