Introduces all-new Irizar i4 and next-generation ie 12-metre electric bus with innovations in terms of accessibility, safety, and reliable technology
Celebrating its 130th anniversary at Busworld, Irizar Group presented a stunning display of its full range of integral, hybrid and electric buses, and luxury coaches, along with a host of technological innovations that are the key to its future. The Spanish company, which is the second-largest coach body builder in Europe, reaffirmed its positioning in all segments of bus transport and commitment in offering high value-added service in vital aspects such as design, customisation, safety, operating cost, future technology, and sustainability. Speaking at the event, Rafael Sterling, the new CEO of the group, said that his company is fully committed to its customers, and is based on innovation as a sign of identity.
“We have the absolute conviction that the way of the future is sustainable solutions and are committed to the talent of people who, accordingly, become ideal partners that will accompany transport operators into the future,” he said. The group operates in six different sectors including passenger transport, electromobility, energy, motors and electric generators, and connectivity and electronics. It owns 13 production plants, eight proprietary brands, a research and development centre, and sales networks worldwide. It has also increased its global presence – cases in point being the recent acquisition of Irizar Italy, the opening of Irizar Benelux, consolidation of Irizar USA, and the signing of new distribution agreements in Sweden, Germany, and countries such as Ecuador, Argentina, Egypt and Cameroon.
At the expo, the bus maker showcased its latest i8 and i6s inter-city coaches, along with the all-new Irizar i4 and ie battery-electric bus and tram buses. “We will continue to invest in new technological developments that place us as a global leader, and we are committed to sustainability as an indispensable value for present and future mobility,” noted Sterling. Irizar Group is currently investing in the development of hybrid alternatives with electric range and engines fuelled by HVO and natural gas, compressed or liquefied gas. The engines it presented were also compliant to Euro VI Stage D emission norms.
As far as e-mobility is concerned, Irizar Group presented its permanent magnet electric engine and a battery pack, both developed and manufactured in-house. The battery system incorporates a modular design, while a dynamic cooling system enables optimisation of useful life and the possibility to operate in extreme weather conditions. The manufacturer is also offering different battery and charging solutions – energy pack for slow charging, nano pack for fast charging, and power pack for ultra-fast charging. The company claims that the battery pack is highly recyclable and is constantly searching and researching on the subject to ensure least environmental impact.
Further, the group announced its collaboration with Mobileye of the Intel Group in addressing the different levels of automation in its products and improving safety, efficiency, and connectivity (5G). This includes an accident prevention system in its buses that identifies potentially dangerous situations and provides visual and acoustic warnings to help drivers avoid or mitigate a collision, along with a host of other driver assistance systems. Meanwhile, the new generation of the Irizar Group ie bus, the zero-emission electric bus, attracted much attention for its weight reduction, improved passenger capacity to meet the regulations of several countries, and new batteries providing greater range. This was one of the highlights of the company’s presentations at the expo.