Irizar opens new electric bus factory

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Irizar

Spanish coach builder Irizar has just opened a new facility to build electric powered buses. It is the first plant in Europe dedicated to the manufacture of zero emission commuter passenger transport vehicles.

Currently 150 people are employed at the factory, but this will increase 500 in the next five years. Irizar has invested significantly in electric buses. In total €75 million has put towards the project so far and that investment will continue. At the moment there are 150 Irizar electric buses in service in Europe and more will reach European city bus routes by the end of the year.

Range distance is the key to electric operation and with a capacity to travel 200km over a ten-hour period, Irizar buses can compete with diesel. Some opportunity charging is necessary, but as the whole electric project improves, advances in this technology is adding range and reducing cost. At the moment capacity is at 1,000 units per year, but with extra shifts and employees this can be increased.

Speaking at the opening of the new factory, Hector Olabe, Managing Director said: “The days of a combustion-based bus are gone,” e-buses can reduce carbon emissions by 120 tonnes per year. In Ireland Irizar is represented by Westward Strokestown. Patrick Kenny, Joe Crann and Pat Carton from the Roscommon based company were at the opening and all expressed confidence with the developments to date.

More in Bus & Coach

Latest issue
Advertising
Latest posts
Mr David Barnett, General Manager, Engineering, Translink, Mr David Butler Director, SGN Natural Gas will be the keynote speakers at the GenComm closing conference at Belfast Met’s…
Citybus is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Rebranded Translink Metro in 2005 following a major review of the Belfast bus network, this milestone is being celebrated to…
Bandvulc, the renowned retread tyre brand, has unveiled its new Citymaster 5 retread tyre for the bus and coach sector. As with previous tyres…
Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, has announced that it has appointed Neil…
IVECO BUS, the urban, intercity and tourism bus brand of Iveco Group has inaugurated its new Foggia plant dedicated to the production of zero-…
A new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to leading zero-emissions bus manufacturer Wrightbus, based at Ballymena. Jean-Marc Gales has spent over 30 years…
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, and Minister of State, Jack Chambers TD have announced new regulations which allow holders of Ukrainian bus and…

This website uses cookies in order to improve the site and user experience. By continuing to use it, you agree to our Privacy Policy.