Arrival begins ground trials of its electric bus
Arrival, the Banbury-based pioneer of a unique new method of design and production of affordable electric vehicles by local microfactories has started trials of the Arrival Bus at a testing facility in the UK.
The vehicles will be going through rigorous validation and testing ahead of certification.
Arrival says its bus will create a new and improved public transportation experience for all users – from the drivers and passengers to the engineers, cleaners, and fleet owners – and reducing costs for operators, making the transition to electric vehicles more economically viable.
The vehicle uses Arrival’s software ecosystem, enabling full connectivity, digital customisation, and deep access to vehicle behaviour and data.
It can be tailored to meet local cities’ needs with its modular design, which enables configuration of length, range, battery, and passenger capacity.
“This is a key milestone for Arrival and we’re thrilled to have started proving ground trials, where the bus is currently going through testing, ahead of EU certification and public road trials,” said Franck Dessenis, vice president of Bus Platform, Arrival.
"We’ve seen a strong interest in the bus, specifically from governments who are looking to upgrade their public transportation networks, in order to achieve their zero-emission pledges.
"We’re partnering closely with governments, cities, and operators to build infrastructure solutions and seamless mobility services for local communities to support their clean energy targets.”
The first Arrival Bus features up to three doors, with flexible passenger seating capacity across the entire flat floor, allowing for greater accessibility, as well as creating more usable standing space and the ability for passengers to travel more comfortably.
The vehicle also has wrap-around exterior and interior screens, adaptable lighting, a transparent roof, and a suite of digital features. The Bus uses in-house components that are also found on the Arrival van and car, and Arrival’s lightweight recyclable composite materials.
This, alongside common suspension and the wheels and tyres at front and rear, means the bus is estimated to be lighter than other battery-electric buses in the market today.
Following proving ground trials, Arrival will commence public road trials with First Bus - one of the UK’s largest transport operators - this spring, with production expected to start in Q2 2022.
