Irizar will launch a electric intercity bus model at FIAA in October

Irizar will launch a intercity electric bus model (the first in its history) during the second half of 2024. It’ll be showcased at FIAA in Madrid.

The plan has been anticipated by Irizar to the jury of the Sustainable Bus Award, whose Italian member is our sister magazine AUTOBUS, during a visit in the facilities of Ormaiztegi (Irizar group) and Aduna (Irizar e-mobility) held a few days ago.

Attendees of FIAA will discover in Madrid if such model will be a LE or High floor model, and on which platform has been developed (after 2020 the i4 model range was updated to fit gas-powered versions). It’ll be also revealed at the exhibition if Irizar first intercity e-bus model will be available as a integral vehicle or a bodywork project, or both.

Irizar intercity electric bus model is coming

Intercity electric buses represent an emerging market, with only 200 units registered in Europe in 2023, compared to over 6,000 battery electric city buses.

While the feasibility of battery electric buses in urban settings (excluding cost considerations) is well-established, the suitability for intercity routes remains uncertain. However, the regulatory framework is becoming clearer. The European roadmap for reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles mandates a 45% reduction in CO2 by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 90% by 2040, relative to new registrations.

Market supply, however, is still developing. The first electrically powered Class II buses on the market are Low Entry models, such as the Iveco Crossway and MAN Lion’s City. Volvo and Scania are also entering the market (as pure chassis providers).

For pure high-floor intercity vehicles, the situation is more complex. Iveco Bus is working on this, and Solaris plans to launch a dedicated platform no earlier than 2026. The first to enter the market were Chinese OEMs: Yutong already has some units in operation, and BYD has deployed electric demo vehicles in Europe, even on Flixbus routes (with disappointing results, though this was five years ago). Additionally, there is the Temsa LD SB E, that we just had the opportunity of video test driving.

Irizar is getting ready to be part of the Class 2 e-bus match.