ON TEST

ZERO EMISSION STEED LOW FLOOR EV

The HIGER STEED low-floor electric bus is an 8.5m commuter bus manufactured by China’s leading bus and coach producer. The specification of STEED (which stands for Sustainable Transport Electric Energy Delivered) has been optimised for the Irish market by importers Harris Bus & Coach. A number of these units are already operating successfully around the country, including two examples which have been deployed at Glenveagh National Park, in County Donegal.

Offering an impressive range distance of up to 300km, the STEED can be DC recharged within 1 hour and 45 minutes. Seating 26 passengers comfortably, the flexibility of the specification layouts, including the fact that they are no wider than a standard ambulance, means the coaches can be configured to suit a variety of destination terrains and routes, both urban and rural.

Collectively, these new vehicles represent the next generation of sustainable, accessible and affordable zero-emissions public transport. They set the standards in terms of passenger accessibility, featuring an 80% flat floor, a front wheelchair ramp, comfortable seating, wide aisles and ample storage. Additional features include saloon air conditioning and low power, high output destination boards.

‘STEED is delivered with its own CCS2 DC fast-charging infrastructure providing a full charge in less than two hours, maximising on-road time and reducing operating costs’

Intelligent HIGER power-saving technology maximises the useable operational range between the required charging times by mapping the terrain being driven to optimise battery performance and minimise charging requirements.

All-Electric HIGER STEED travels the 304 Route in Limerick

ROuTE 304

The Route 304 bus schedule operates from the Stables bar on the UL (University of Limerick) Campus to Raheen Church. The route travels through the city centre, covering 73 stops in all when taking both directions into account. For the bus and driver, there is great variety on the route, with some challenging sections along the way. Consisting of some urban sections, together with streetscapes and a portion that goes through residential areas, the run provides an opportunity to see a bus in different working environments.

THE BEAT ON THE STREET!

Our test drive in the STEED started from the UL Campus, before heading off towards some of the residential areas of Castletroy. Although this route is operated comfortably by Bus Eireann using full size double-deckers, the HIGER, because of its versatility and nimbleness, is very manoeuvrable and suitable from a driving point of view. Although the passenger door is not quite at the front of the bus, it is far enough forward to allow the driver make eye contact and have some pleasant conversations with passengers as they enter and exit.

As the route makes way towards the city centre, demands on the bus and driver increase. The addition of extra bicycle lanes in the past 12 months have meant that space entering and exiting bus stops is sometimes compromised, creating more challenges for drivers. However views out of the STEED are exceptional, thanks to the low windscreen, extra glass panels and well positioned mirrors, all of which help to reduce the driver’s workload. One of the advantages of low-floor buses is that passengers waiting to enter the bus can see those exiting, avoiding crowding around the door. Of course, the second advantage is that people can get in and out faster. STEED may be

aimed at a more rural market, but it can play a big part in the city also. Continuing our journey, as the 304 route goes from the Regional Hospital towards Raheen, it diverts through five or six housing development. An extra route, 304A, avoids these developments. In the future it is something that route planners may consider, putting smaller buses where road space is a little tighter.

IN THE BuS AND BEHIND THE WHEEL

Driving an electric bus is a little different to a conventional diesel powered bus. As mentioned, the view from the driver’s seat is substantial, and there are no obvious blind spots. The information cluster is bright and clear, with all controls close at hand. There are a few options for the driver’s area in terms of security depending on the type of work the bus is put too. A wheelchair ramp is positioned at the front door. It is simple to operate and because of the low floor it is very efficient. The bus tested had 26 seats, but various interior lay-outs are possible. Inside and throughout the vehicle, it is bright and there is plenty of aisle space.

VERDICT

Harris Bus & Coach, through its partnership with HIGER, has presented a fine-tuned, functional bus with zero emissions. With 50 years’ experience in the motor industry and one of the largest showroom in Ireland and the UK, plus a strong reputation that is backed up by an extensive parts inventory, bus operators can feel confident that they will never be on their own in terms of maintenance and service. While, Ireland may be a little late to the game when it comes to getting electric buses on the road, numbers are increasing across our towns and cities every year. As more and more operators recognise the benefits of going electric, Harris Bus & Coach is ready to supply this demand.

SPEC CHECK

The 8.5m Higer STEED can be specified with various seating layouts depending on the route requirements. In a standard layout the maximum seating capacity is 26. Some of the features listed are optional: n 26 seat belted seats n DC fast charging under 2 hours n Saloon air conditioning n Wheelchair accessible n Low entry flat floor n Extra wide passenger entrance & aisle n 22 standing positions (Reduced Seating) n Internal and external camera recording system n Hanover FSR destination boards n On-board audio visual monitors n Removable overhead storage racks

MEASuREMENTS & DIMENSIONS

n Overall Length: 8522mm n Overall Width: 2370mm n Height with A/C: 3215mm n Wheel base: 5800mm n Front overhang: 1181mm n Doors size, clear opening: 1200mm n Approach Angle: front; 180 n Departure Angle; rear; 130 n Kerb weight: 8.500kg n Gross vehicle weight: 12.400kg n Max. Weight on the front axle: 4.200kg n Max. Weight on the rear axle: 8.200kg Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie