Lyon, 8th February 2011
The first ever hybrid bus of the Irisbus Iveco Group, an articulated GX 427 by Heuliez Bus, whose technology is based on the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy, has officially been inaugurated on January 31st 2011 at the Agglomeration Community of Greater Poitiers. The vehicle was launched in the presence of the Mayor of Poitiers, several locally elected officials and the Director of the Régie des Transports Poitevins, which runs the local public transport system under the Vitalis trade name.
The vehicle was put into operation the very next day, February 1st, on the no. 1 bus route. Stopping at 56 places over a 22.7km distance, this line covers many of the strategic points within the city: the University Hospital, the University Campus, the city centre, the SNCF railway station and the Futuroscope science and technology park. The fact that route no. 1 is a very busy one will facilitate testing of the new GX 427 Hybrid full-load.
With the vehicle expected to cover approximately 300km per day, the no. 1 bus route has the advantage of offering a varied topography. Some sections will allow a fast rolling speed of 70 km/h while others, hilly sections will ensure energy recovery during deceleration. The bus's journey through the city centre will put the "Stop & Start" technology to good use.
The expected performances of the GX 427 Hybrid are a 25% to 30% decrease in fuel consumption, an at least proportional reduction of polluting emissions (especially CO2) and a particularly quiet driving experience considering the use of electric traction.
Already used as a pilot area for natural gas buses (CNG) in 1998, the city of Poitiers has now taken its commitment to sustainable development a step further by applying hybrid technology to real-world operating conditions.
Covering Greater Poitiers, the Vitalis network serves a total of 140,000 inhabitants. 71 of the vehicles in its 124-strong fleet (of which 95 are standard, 10 are articulated, 9 are coaches, 4 are minibuses and 6 are specially equipped vehicles for transporting persons with disabilities) are fitted with an CNG engine. In 2010, Vitalis provided nearly 15 million bus trips and operated over more than 5 million kilometres.