The 2012 Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Award for Automotive Innovation, sponsored by GKN Driveline has been presented to British bus manufacturer Optare, for its Versa EV all-electric bus at the Society’s Annual Dinner in London on 27th November.
Commenting on the first fully operational, full-sized battery-powered electric bus developed in the UK, Nigel Stein, Chief Executive, GKN plc said “The Versa EV breaks new ground in a way that typifies the wealth of advanced technological capability in this country.
“Britain has a great record of outstanding automotive engineering achievement and at GKN we are proud to sponsor the SMMT Automotive Award for Innovation for which there have been some excellent entries this year.
“All aspects of automotive mobility are in a stage of fundamental change and to find a greener solution to the challenge of public transport has to be a priority. Optare has once again delivered with the Versa EV bus and we applaud their ability to respond effectively to the demands for more sustainable public mobility solutions.”
Optare has been quick to get the new Versa EV to market with eighteen British cities now operating fleets of the new bus which can carry up to 50 passengers. With a range of over 75 miles (120 kms) and fast-charging capability coupled with on-board energy recovery, the Versa EV represents a totally clean, green, viable cost-saving alternative for urban public transport.
Optare is one of the most respected names in the UK bus industry and with its parent, Ashok Leyland (part of the Hinduja Group), is ranked in the World’s top five bus manufacturers. Optare which designs, manufactures and sells single and double deck buses, has in recent years focused on low-carbon buses using enhanced diesel technology, alternative fuel options and hybrid systems combined with reduced weight designs, of which, the Award-winning Versa EV, is the latest – and greenest – product.
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