Electric Arrival Bus expected on First Bus routes shortly

UK-based electric vehicle developer Arrival has started trials of the electric Arrival Bus at Horiba MIRA’s test facility in Nuneaton. The vehicles will be going through rigorous validation and testing ahead of certification and imminent testing on public roads.

The Arrival Bus, designed and built using Arrival’s microfactory concept, sets out to create a new and improved public transportation experience while offering reduced costs for operators, making the transition to electric vehicles more economically viable.

The microfactory approach and modular design enables configuration of length, range, battery, and passenger capacity tailored to meet local cities’ needs. The vehicle takes advantage of Arrival’s software ecosystem, enabling full connectivity, digital customisation, and deep access to vehicle behaviour and data.

“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 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. The vehicle also features 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 make it lighter than other battery-electric buses in the market today.

Following proving ground trials, Arrival will move to public road trials with First Bus within the first quarter of 2022, which will see Arrival’s vehicles operating on existing First Bus routes. Arrival is expected to gear up production of its Bus by the summer.