Orion E will give 100-mile range and take 16 seated passengers or four wheelchair users: To debut at NEC Birmingham, 25-27 April.
Mellor Coachcraft has unveiled what it says is the world’s first fully low-floor electric minibus, the Orion E. It will make its public debut at the CV Show, held at the NEC Birmingham on 25-27 April.
The Orion E has what Mellor describes as “a unique electric front-wheel drive system,” permitting an adaptable, single-step entry into the fully low-floor saloon.
The Orion E’s lithium-ion batteries are spread around the vehicle for optimum weight distribution and the Orion E has an electric drive and gearbox in what would otherwise be the engine bay.
“This product has taken us two years to complete. We looked at a number of different electromotive suppliers and products, with the aim of ensuring that we could have absolute confidence in the vehicle and drivetrain,” says Mellor MD John Randerson.
The Orion E retains the appearance of the diesel Orion, which is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis. The electric variant can carry a maximum of 16 seated passengers or four wheelchair users, and Mellor promises a 100-mile range.
“We are extremely proud to be bringing the world’s first electric low-floor minibus to market in a 12-month period during which Mellor has already launched no fewer than three new models. Our decision to develop the Orion E has been validated by the immediate interest shown by customers,” adds Mr Randerson.
Mellor has developed the drive system in conjunction with a leading European EV integrator, while the power electronics are provided by a class-leading European manufacturer that supplies many electric drive components bound for the bus and car sectors.
Mellor has subjected the Orion E to “prolonged simulated test cycles” and it has achieved compliance with all European regulations.
As a result, the Orion E will be built in left-hand drive form for European markets and Mellor will exhibit at Busworld, held in October in Kortrijk, Belgium. It says that the first Orion Es will be delivered to customers in July.
Mellor’s decision to develop a zero-emission minibus was driven by ever-tightening urban air quality targets, it says, and in an indication of the company’s desire to continue to grow it adds that it sees potential for the Orion E to act as a base vehicle for urban parcel and freight deliveries besides its core passenger-carrying function.
