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First Bus to test new electric bus on routes in the UK this Autumn

Posted: 23 February 2021 | | No comments yet

Arrival will test its new electric bus on First Bus routes in the Autumn later this year as it looks to develop its zero-emissions fleet.

arrival's electric bus

Arrival's electric bus features lighter components to save weight Credit Arrival/First Bus

Electric vehicle company Arrival has announced that it will begin trials of its zero emission bus with First Bus, one of the UK’s largest transport operators. The trials, which will see Arrival buses navigating existing First Bus routes in the UK, will begin this Autumn.

The new partnership comes just seven months after First Bus announced their commitment to purchase no diesel buses after 2022 and to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

Arrival unveiled its electric bus last June, creating it claims a new and improved public transportation experience for all users – from the drivers and passengers to the engineers, cleaners and fleet owners – and reducing operating costs for operators, making the transition to electric vehicles more economically viable.

The company says the initial trial vehicle configurations will be a combination of familiar requirements and new innovative features, which will be activated throughout the trial and made possible by Arrival’s smart connected hardware and end-to-end fleet management solutions.

The single-deck Arrival Bus features a single front door with a passenger seating capacity of 36 across the entire flat floor, allowing greater accessibility, as well as more usable standing space and ability for passengers to travel more comfortably.

It is equipped with up to 310.8kWh of energy storage capacity with the option of both an AC and DC charge. The Arrival bus has been developed to not only have common suspension front and rear, but common wheels and tyres – which the developer say will make the bus up to 40 percent lighter than other battery-electric buses in the market today.

“As leaders in sustainable mobility, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Arrival, helping us bring some of the most innovative zero emission vehicles on the market onto the UK’s streets for our customers and partners,” said Janette Bell, Managing Director of First Bus.

“We’re proud to be the first operator in the UK to trial Arrival’s electric buses and look forward to working together to accelerate the transition to zero emissions in our sector. Their ground-breaking technology is also expected to allow for improved customer service, and we’re looking forward to seeing how customers react to the new buses when they’re trialled later this year.”

“Today is an important day in the transition to a more sustainable, user focused transportation ecosystem and we are thrilled to be partnering with First Bus on this trial and for people to experience the Arrival Bus on public roads,” said Avinash Rugoobur, President of Arrival.

“Cities around the world are pledging their commitment to a zero-emission transportation future and Arrival is providing them with the ideal product to help them achieve that in the Arrival Bus.

“We are working in partnership with operators and cities globally to support improvements to public transportation networks whilst creating vehicles that can be tailored to local needs.”