The first Irizar ie tram electric buses have commenced service on London’s 358 route, operating between Crystal Palace and Orpington.
The 20 fully-electric 12-metre buses were purchased by Go-Ahead and are the first right-hand drive ie tram units to operate in the UK.
Iñigo Etxeberria, General Director of Irizar e-mobility said:We are proud to be a partner on this project, which is another step forward in London’s green transition. This creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business and increases our prominence in the UK. We really hope that Londoners will enjoy the experience of travelling into the modern, sleek and sustainable Irizar ie tram buses.
With this deployment, route 358 has become the first in London to use ultra-fast opportunity charging. Irizar e-mobility has also provided chargers from Jema Energy (an Irizar Group member company). The infrastructure consists of two ultra-fast 450 kW chargers at each end of the line, as well as 100 kW chargers for the depot.
The buses feature the latest generation of Irizar Group batteries. The ultra-fast pantograph chargers with an inverted system make it possible for them to recharge in less than six minutes.
The Irizar ie tram’s front design complies with Transport for London’s (TfL) 2024 safety standards to enhance pedestrian protection. The vehicles are also equipped with advanced safety features, including speed-limiting technology and audible alarms to alert pedestrians.
Elsewhere in the UK, the Irizar ie tram model will also be deployed on Go-Ahead’s Fasttrack network in Kent Thameside. A vehicle for this route was recently displayed at Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham.
