Irizar e-mobility to deliver 1,000th electric bus (and provides 2 vehicles to carrier La Veloz in Madrid)

Irizar e-mobility is set to deliver their 1000th e-bus soon, 8 years after foundation of the company under the umbrella of Irizar group.

Following this announcement, the manufacturer states that La Veloz, a company belonging to the Samar Group, will incorporate by end of the month two new electric buses (ie bus model) by Irizar e-mobility to their urban fleet. They will provide service for the Rivas Vaciamadrid urban lines, which are managed by the Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid.

Irizar e-mobility, 1,000 e-buses out of the lines

Irizar e-mobility was indeed founded in late 2016 (although the Basque group was already producing e-buses from 2013 within its electromobility business area, launched in 2011 already). In 2014, Irizar became the first European manufacturer to deliver two vehicles to the city of Barcelona as part of the European ZeEUS project. In 2016, it won a contract to operate the first French urban electromobility line, in Marseille, with six units. The Irizar ie tram was launched on the market a year later. In parallel, its bus models win awards, like “Bus of the Year in Spain” and “Ecological Industrial Vehicle in Spain”.

In 2018, the Irizar e-mobility facilities were opened, which was the first European electromobility plant exclusively dedicated to manufacturing zero-emissions electric buses, charging infrastructures and its own batteries.

Now GSR2 e-buses in delivery

The company has already started delivering its new generation of electric buses to the first clients, featuring improvements in safety and security according to the new GSR2 ADAS regulations that also include vehicle cybersecurity.  It also has a renewed generation of batteries “with lower consumption and a longer range that improves the energy available at BOL and EOL by 30%”, Irizar states. The new drive system, the new generation ELFA by Cummins (formerly Siemens) with a lighter and more compact design, reduces weight up to 26% and also includes a new digital HMI that allows maximum personalisation.

What is worth mentioning, the company also has its own battery plant. The batteries used in its electric vehicles are developed and manufactured at that plant.

In the words of Iñigo Etxeberria, the General Director of Irizar e-mobility, “1,000 vehicles are more than a number for us. It means effort, teamwork, and commitment by all the people who are part of this great company. We’re a medium-sized company with local production that competes in an international market with major brands. That figure drives us and motivates us to keep growing and evolving in the sector”.

Two e-buses headed to Madrid for La Veloz

The Irizar ie bus units headed to La Veloz are equipped with latest generation Irizar batteries, feature three doors and 30 seats (4 are reserved for people with reduced mobility – PRM). There are charging points on both sides of the vehicle, located over the first axle, and they are compatible with the Combo 2 garage charging system.

“After years of having a close relationship with the Samar Group in terms of buying Irizar buses, the time has come to take the leap to electric mobility. We’re extremely proud to keep being a key technological partner of the Samar Group”, said Iñigo Azcona, Commercial Director of Irizar e-mobility for Spain and Portugal.

David Gutiérrez, a Samar Group representative, remarked, “We’re delighted to continue our commitment to innovation and respect for the environment, in line with the values of Irizar e-mobility. These new electric buses mark a before and after in our urban transport services, not just in terms of sustainability but also in comfort and safety”.