London, Go Ahead starts deploying the first Irizar e-buses in UK

Starting November 20th, the first Irizar ie trams started being put into service on one of the longest bus lines in London between Crystal Palace and Orpington. With this project, Irizar e-mobility will electrify the first bus line with ultra-fast opportunity charging in London, following a contract signed in late 2022.

Irizar zero emission buses in UK

The twenty 100% electric 12 metre long buses acquired by Go Ahead are the first ones made with right-hand drive and the first ones used in the UK.

Irizar e-mobility has also provided chargers from Jema Energy (an Irizar Group member company), two ultra-fast 450 kW chargers for the line ends and 100 kW chargers for the depot, which can charge two buses simultaneously at 50 kW.

The buses will be powered by latest-generation Irizar Group batteries, they will be charged using two ultra-fast pantograph chargers with an inverted system that makes it possible to charge the buses in less than six minutes. At the end of the route, the buses will get a brief charge using the in-depot chargers.

The front design of the Irizar ie tram meets the 2024 Transport for London (TFL) safety standards for protecting pedestrians. These buses also have the latest safety solutions, like speed-limiting technology and audible alarms to warn of pedestrians.

“We are proud to be a partner on this project, which is another step forward in London’s green transition. This creates a global showcase, is a milestone for our business and increases our prominence in the UK. We really hope that Londoners will enjoy the experience of travelling into the modern, sleek and sustainable Irizar ie tram buses” said Iñigo Etxeberria, General Director of Irizar e-mobility, during the presentation of the buses that took place today at the Crystal Palace bus station.