The Strata, with a capacity of 22 passengers, is the smallest bus to date to have met the stringent requirements associated with LEB certification.
An LEB certificate is issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) to manufacturers that meet specific criteria. An LEB, as defined by the UK government, uses efficient technology to produce 15% less well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions compared with an equivalent Euro V standard diesel bus.
As well as the clear environmental benefits of operating a lower emission bus, the financial reward to operators is also significant as a certified LEB qualifies for a rebate from the DfT as part of the Low Carbon Emission Bus incentive scheme. This rebate equates to an additional 6p or 10.01p per km reimbursement for England and Scotland respectively. For example, under the current scheme, a bus covering 50,000 km per annum in England would qualify for a £3,000 rebate.
Mellor managing director John Randerson said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this important industry certification. Not only does the Strata offer a size appropriate solution and fuel efficiency of 20-22mpg, it now offers the benefit of additional savings in terms of rebates under the LCEB scheme.”
The Strata is a Sprinter-based coach-built vehicle, engineered with the approval of Mercedes-Benz to meet the demands of a small service bus suitable for many applications.
Mellor is part of the Woodall Nicholson Group, which also includes funeral vehicle manufacturer Coleman Milne and CM Specialist Vehicles Division, which supplies products to the police and other emergency services.