TEST

Higer AZURE Electric undertakes successful East-South “Compass Challenge”

Nationwide BEV Range Distance Demonstration Drives underway

Earlier this month Fleet Bus & Coach, in association with Harris Bus & Coach, participated in a unique East-South battery electric vehicle (BEV) range distance test trial from Dublin to Cork in the new Higer AZURE 12m zero-emission commuter bus. Called the Compass

Challenge, the all-electric AZURE will travel to the four corners of Ireland to demonstrate its high levels of design, technology and range distance to customers. The inaugural trip headed down the N7 to Leeside and although this was not a normal test drive route for this type of vehicle, the experience proved beneficial with excellent results.

THE HARRIS gRouP – HIgER PARTNERSHIP

Higer is China’s leading producer and exporter of buses and coaches, established in 1998 and based in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. The company operates an 800,000 square metre manufacturing base and distributes to more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

Higer buses and coaches are imported into Ireland by the Harris Group in Dublin and are optimised specifically for Irish and UK passenger transport operations. Using over 50 years of experience and expertise from truck assembly, the Harris Group, through its Bus & Coach division, puts its own stamp on the buses and coaches, adding optional extras, some of which are fitted at assembly, with more fitted on arrival in Dublin. With Harris Bus & Coach there is a strong focus on customers and their particular fleet requirements and type of operation. One of the strengths of the now well-established relationship between Harris and Higer is the closeness between technicians in both countries with any issues addressed in a timely manner.

THE RoAD To CoRk

One of the big challenges and concerns for drivers of electric buses is the so-called ‘range anxiety’. However, that shouldn’t be an issue with the Higer AZURE as, after extensive testing and ongoing development, it can now achieve a range of up to 400km. This was validated on our non-stop 250km journey to Cork, where, upon arrival at the Dean Hotel, a 50% battery range still remained, which was impressive. Even on the non-electric friendly motorway route the AZURE still managed to achieve some re-generation of the battery pack along the journey. On its arrival in Cork, local people and delegates were given the opportunity to

have a good look around the bus, which is an attractive option for the future of public transport.

This 12m bus has seating for 42 passengers and can accommodate up to 70 people, depending on the layout selected. With Zero emissions, the AZURE is one of the most environmentally friendly public transport options available in Ireland.

With specifications ideal for open roads and city travel, the Higer AZURE is labelled a ‘smart’ bus, as it is fitted with technology that enables the vehicle to learn its routes and adapt accordingly, ensuring it is super-efficient and economical to run and maintain.

Charge times are short (1.5 hours to fully charge on max supply), and with charging costs and operating costs being exceptionally low, power is plentiful and noise levels extremely low, making it a most suitable offering for Irish and UK customers.

“With 400km range this vehicle can operate a standard working day and charge during driver rest period to allow an all-electric option for coach operators previously outside even the range of some EV cars”

DRIvINg THE BuS

Driving the AZURE is easy, thanks to a superb view from the driver’s seat. On the bus driven, the traditional type mirrors were fitted, but it is a simple change to refit more suitable mirrors and this can be done in Dublin or retrofitted by an operator if required. It has plenty of power and fast acceleration, very important to maintain schedules on urban routes.

According to John McEvoy, Chief Operating Officer at Harris Group, the new AZURE is the perfect antidote to ‘range anxiety’; “We’re delighted to launch the new AZURE to the Irish market and given its capability and efficiency, it’s the commercial transport option city travel has been calling out for. We have worked very closely with our partners at Higer to develop intelligent technologies specifically for our commercial fleet. The technology effectively learns the roads and routes that the bus is being driven on and adapts accordingly to ensure optimum use of power; something we’re very proud to have been involved in.”

He added: “Coupled with this is the incredible fast charging capability of the AZURE, which helps to minimise the downtime that some operators associate with recharging electric vehicles. This trip to Cork shows the capability of this advanced electric vehicle. It shows that it can easily operate for long periods in a city environment and at the same time be clean, efficient and sustainable.”

The Harris Group’s Bus & Coach division currently has three Higer 8m STEED fully electric low-floor buses in operation in Ireland with a further four across the UK. It is expected that this bus will be in demand for some of the rural link type routes.

The addition of the Higer 12m larger option with an extended range is a true game-changer for public transport. As John explained: “Government has been doing a lot of work to encourage the shift away from fossil fuels in Irish transport. And we know that Irish consumers are looking for more eco-conscious and sustainably-focused companies. We believe we have the ideal product to help support the sustainability agenda and we’re looking forward to showcasing the Higer AZURE and other electric commercial vehicles in our range over the coming weeks.”

It was timely that Harris chose Cork for the inaugural test trial as Bus Éireann is consulting with all stakeholders regarding new routes in and around the city following the announcement of the demise of petrol and diesel cars by 2035. As Irish operators move to invest in greener bus and coach options, the Harris Group have a choice of zero-emission buses available here and now.

Over the next months, Harris Bus & Coach will be taking the AZURE on further tours, visiting Limerick, Galway and other locations around the country.

Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie Additional reporting by Donal Dempsey.