Newer model of electric bus being trialled
A newer model of an already-trialled electric bus has returned to the island for a few weeks in service starting from today.
The Harris Group Higer Steed XL is a fully zero-emissions electric bus, with a 180 mile range.
A 2022 model is being re-trialled now that CT Plus has been taken over by Tower Transit.
‘We need the information to be able to do our own assessment and whether it is the best fit for Guernsey,’ said CT Plus director Kevin Hart.
‘Price-wise, it’s about £40,000 to £50,000 cheaper than the last bus we brought over, but it’s not all about the cost, it’s about being able to charge it every two days, which is really good news, rather than trying to charge it every day, so that will make a difference on the infrastructure.’
The bus has 24 fixed seats, two folding seats making room for wheelchairs and prams and space for 19 passengers standing.
It is the same length as the current fleet, but 2cm wider and can be fully charged in less than two hours.
‘The mirrors currently on the bus are larger than we would put on, but this is a standard demonstrator vehicle,’ said Mr Hart.
‘This is not a priority for us, this is us working with the States trialling different vehicles to make sure that when they invest in electric that they invest in the right product.
‘We need to de-carbonise our fleet and make sure we’re aligned with the government. There is a bus tender going on at the moment so this is a nice time for the States, and for us as an operator as we want to win the tender.’
The Harris Group specialises in bus accessibility and after care support for the fleet.
The company provides buses that can cope with urban and hilly rural areas. And the Higer Steed XL still guarantees 120 miles a charge into year seven of operation.
‘This is a demonstration unit and not the exact product that will hit the road, it will most likely be the 2024 or 2025 model,’ said Harris Group bus and coach sales representative Niall Roberts.
‘Over the next few weeks we want to test out the seating configurations and what adjustments we might make going forward.
‘We’ve already established that the mirrors will need to be smaller.’
A temporary ticketing system has been installed in the demo bus while it is used in service.
