Harris Group supplies Ireland’s first electric public transport bus


Harris Group has supplied Ireland’s first pure electric bus for use in the public transport sector.

The Higer STEED was delivered to Martleys of Portlaoise and to Frances Byrne, rural transport co-ordinator for Portlaoise TFI Local Link Laois Offaly.

Commenting on this milestone for the Irish public transport sector, Denise Harris, CEO of Harris Group said: “I am very proud that the Harris Group is responsible for introducing Ireland’s first pure electric bus for use in the public transport sector.

“This is a major advancement for the transport industry, and it was heart-warming to see such a strong female influence behind the decision-making process.

“It was a pleasure to work with Frances Byrne, rural transport co-ordinator for TFI Local Link Laois Offaly, and her vision and passion around carbon reduction is inspiring.”

The new, fully electric bus and ‘metro-ready’ STEED (Sustainable Transport Electric Energy Delivered) represents the next generation of sustainable, accessible and affordable zero-emissions public transport.

Optimised to Harris Group specifications by manufacturer Higer, China’s leading bus and coach exporter, the STEED has been made to answer growing demand for greener, electric bus solutions from public and private operators as well as the general public.

‘Metro ready’ is a new term Harris Group uses to define the extended range the STEED can deliver as the first real cross-over electric bus capable of urban and rural travel in the one defined operational route.

The bus is powered by CATL Lithium Ion Batteries producing 174 Kw of power.

Harris Group says each STEED is also delivered with its own CCS2 DC fast-charging infrastructure providing a full charge in less than two hours, maximising on-road time and reducing operating costs.

Boasting an impressive range of up to 300km on a single charge, Harris Group says the STEED is the future of public and private transport.