Rochdale-based bus producer, Mellor, has announced it will launch an all-new range of single-deck battery-electric buses for 2022, as the company moves into previously untapped bus markets.
The new multi-variant range is expected to include an extensive choice of lengths, widths, operating ranges and gross vehicle weights. We will bring you more specific details that are due to be announced in December 2021.
In the most significant new bus model introduction in the UK for many years – and anticipated to be the widest range of battery-electric buses from any manufacturer in Europe – the new Mellor range will provide an exciting alternative for customers both in the UK and in overseas markets.
Drawing on their proven track record of design and engineering expertise, Mellor will substantially broaden its appeal with a larger range of vehicles. The company will offer increased operating capability to customers while maintaining Mellor’s core principles of producing both size- and cost-appropriate buses.
The new electric bus range is the culmination of the wider capabilities of Woodall Nicholson, who are Mellor’s parent group company, having seen development through investment over recent years.
The product announcement is very much part of Mellor’s repositioning plans to address increasing customer demands for zero-emissions buses, to provide both technical and commercial solutions outside the current traditional thinking of many bus suppliers.
Mellor’s current and well-established product line-up includes the Orion, Strata, Maxim and Tucana ranges. Together they offer size- and cost-appropriate vehicle options for a wide range of operations. The line-up also includes a growing number of full-electric variants, including recent new models to take advantage of recent government funding initiatives.
Mark Clissett, Mellor’s Bus Division managing director, said: “We’re very excited indeed about our new electric bus range. A bold move which we believe will shake up the UK bus market and deliver a fresh new business proposition for operators.
“Our new electric bus range will provide a genuine alternative for customers, with the widest range of models currently on the market today.
“Our focus has fallen on people, technology and facilities, and we’re bringing all these aspects together now as we gear up for an exciting 2022.”
This is an exciting time for Mellor as they move towards producing zero emissions vehicles and we look forward to seeing the finished models. This announcement follows the news that Stagecoach are planning more electric buses, as are First Scotland with their electric vehicle (EV) bus depot in Glasgow.
