20 ie Tram Single-Deck Battery-Electric Buses for TfL Route 358

Irizar e-mobility and Go-Ahead London have confirmed that 20 ie tram single-deck battery-electric buses, as well as associated charging infrastructure, will be delivered soon to convert Transport for London (TfL) route 358 to zero-emission.

Irizar

They will go into service in 2023 and will be charged by two 450kW inverted pantograph-based charging stations located at the Crystal Palace and Orpington termini. 100kW depot chargers capable of simultaneously charging two buses at 50kW each are also on order, all of which will be supplied by Irizar Group subsidiary Jema Energy, with the inverted pantograph units installed by EO Charging.

Go-Ahead has chosen the 12-metre Irizar ie Tram, the first in the range to be manufactured with right-hand drive and the first to be launched in the United Kingdom. The buses will be powered by Irizar Group's state-of-the-art batteries and charged between trips using two fast charging inverted pantograph systems that will be installed at Crystal Palace and Orpington Bus Stations. These enable the buses to be charged in under five minutes. When the buses are out of service, they will receive a short top-up from the depot-based chargers.

Irizar

Irizar has completed the first ie tram for Go-Ahead London, which will be displayed at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on November 1st and 3rd. With its stylish tram-like design, the Irizar ie tram distinguishes itself from other buses by combining high capacity, easy access, and plenty of passenger space inside with the versatility of a city bus. The passenger compartment of the bus is bright, comfortable, spacious, pleasant, and secure.

Irizar

Speaking about the pending delivery, Irizar e-mobility Managing Director Inigo Etxeberria says:

“We are delighted that Go-Ahead London, the capital’s largest bus operator, has chosen our technology. This is clear testament to the confidence placed in our products, and proof of their quality and reliability.

“London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honoured for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal. Our technological race continues, and this operation will see our company launching the first super-fast charging route in London, complying with the high standards set by TfL.”

According to Irizar, the operator chose this vehicle because of the level of passive safety for passengers and pedestrians - the Irizar ie tram's front end design meets Transport for London's 2024 Bus Safety Standards in terms of front end pedestrian protection.

Irizar

Opportunity charging has already been introduced by Go-Ahead London on a batch of BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deckers operating on TfL all-electric route 132 between Bexleyheath and North Greenwich.

TfL describes the concept's extension to servicee 358 with the Irizar ie tram fleet as requiring opportunity charging to convert to zero-emission, as depot battery replenishment would provide insufficient range to complete a full operating day.