Ireland’s first electric bus enters operation in Portlaoise

Harris Group is delighted to announce the introduction of Ireland’s, first ever, 100% electric, 8.5m, EV bus for use on Local Link transport routes, the Higer STEED electric bus.

The Higer STEED is the culmination of over 18 months of development by the Harris Group and is designed specifically to meet the robust requirements set out by the governing bodies here to move towards a Greener Ireland. 

It was recently delivered to Martleys Buses Portlaoise for use within the Portlaoise area in line with Laois County Council’s ground-breaking Low Carbon initiative. 

This was a huge investment for both Martley’s and Local Link and is a major step in the right direction toward achieving a greener future. The Higer STEED being 100% electric, metro-ready bus, meaning it can seamlessly travers urban and rural settings and boasts an impressive range of over 270km on a full charge in less than 2 hours. Maximising on road time.

The fully electric bus is designed with passenger comfort in mind offering modern luxuries as standard, for example; Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, saloon air condition and is wheelchair accessible with 80% flat floors, wide aisles and a front access wheelchair ramp.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Frances Byrne, TFI Laois Offaly General Manager said:

“We are delighted to have this new addition on the road in Laois and Offaly and hopefully it will be one of many electric vehicles in the not-too-distant future.

We are looking to a future where renewable and sustainable modes of transport will become part of our lives.

TFI Local Link believes in helping to reduce carbon emissions and promote less usage on private cars in our local communities.”

The 26 seater STEED will be used as part of the Transport for Ireland local link bus service connecting rural and urban communities throughout the Laois and Offaly areas with 0 CO2 emissions.

The STEED is just one of the many innovations designed and developed by Harris Group in our quest to provide sustainable transport solutions. You can learn more about our mission and EV range here.