Energy supplier, SSE, has taken delivery of a new full electric, zero-emission, Mellor Orion E bus as part of its commitment to transitioning to an all-electric fleet. Perth-based SSE is leading the charge on decarbonising its fleet, and the acquisition of the Mellor Orion E is another important step in the company’s commitment to addressing climate change.

The Mellor Orion E is the world’s first small, low-floor, zero-emissions bus. Boasting an impressive 160km of range and taking just 4.25 hours to reach full charge, the 16 person-capacity bus employs the latest in electric motor and drivetrain technology.

SSE personnel will benefit from the Mellor Orion E’s exceptional build quality and flexible design – the latter affording highly configurable seating layouts and wheelchair positions. The Orion E’s 250mm floor height and class-leading ramp angle ensure safe, speedy boarding, with ample space onboard for 15 seated passengers and one wheelchair.

SSE plans to deploy the vehicle in the Shetland Islands, where it will play a central role in transporting project teams on a large onshore project. The business is also in discussions with NHS Shetland and Shetland Council, with a view to putting the vehicle to effective use delivering non-emergency hospital transport and support for the local community.

Simon Gray, Head of Fleet and Travel at SSE, said, “We’ve made a firm commitment to transitioning our fleet to electric. When we reviewed the options available, Orion E and Mellor were a clear choice. We required a minibus that offered the range and had exceptional build quality, meaning the minibus can be used by SSE for years to come.  Mellor and the Orion E provided this, and therefore it was an easy choice for us”.