Optare’s latest trials in Dublin Airport support the move to EV buses.
Under First Group and Aircoach, the Metrocity EV demonstrator spent several weeks at Dublin Airport with the aim of evaluating EV technology for shuttle use.
As part of an overall sustainability strategy, the airport aims to convert its entire fleet of 111 vehicles to low-emissions over the next five years – including all its buses by 2022.
Managing Director of Aircoach Dervla McKay says: “Aircoach is committed to supporting Dublin Airport in its sustainability targets. The trials provided valuable insight into how an EV operation could work for the car park shuttle services.”
Optare says immediate benefits will include improvements in air quality, reduced noise and emissions, and savings in airport energy consumption.
Dublin Airport’s Managing Director Vincent Harrison echoed the importance sustainable growth: “we take our responsibilities in this regard very seriously… using low-emission vehicles is another great step in achieving our sustainability targets and being an exemplar to other airports and organisations in Ireland and across the world.”
