Go-Ahead London route to be first with ultra-fast opportunity charging buses
Irizar e-mobility and Go Ahead London have signed a contract for the supply of 20 buses and related charging infrastructure to electrify route 358 in south London, which will become the first ultra-fast opportunity charging route in the capital.
The 20 buses will be accompanied by two 450kW ultra-fast chargers for the route terminals and 100kW depot chargers capable of charging two buses simultaneously at 50kW, supplied by Jema Energy, an Irizar Group company.
The new buses will be the first right-hand drive versions of Irizar’s 12m ie tram.
The buses’ batteries are also manufactured by the Irizar Group and will be charged between trips using two fast charging inverted pantograph systems to be installed at Crystal Palace and Orpington Bus Stations, allowing the buses to be charged in less than five minutes. After finishing the route, the buses will receive a short top-up using the depot-based chargers.
“We are delighted that Go Ahead, London’s largest bus operator, has chosen our technology,” stated Iñigo Etxeberria, managing director of Irizar e-mobility. “This is a clear testament to the confidence placed in our products and proof of their quality and reliability.
“London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honoured for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal.”