A further 75 will be delivered by September, with the remainder during the first half of next year.
The hybrid Urbanway can carry up to 130 passengers; its low floor is designed to improve passenger flow, while a ‘comfort’ zone is dedicated to vulnerable users, with areas for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The vehicle combines an electric traction system with a Euro VI engine and an energy storage system. The powertrain management system optimises fuel consumption and emissions, while recovering and storing the kinetic energy released under braking.
In addition, an Arrive & Go function enables operation in 100% electric mode with zero emissions when approaching and leaving bus stops and traffic lights.
Compared with diesel buses, fuel consumption per vehicle is reduced by 30% and CO2 emissions can also be reduced by up to 30%.
The Tector 7 delivers 282bhp engine and is compatible with second generation HVO biofuel, which can cut carbon emissions by up to 90% compared with a standard diesel engine.
“This delivery is the first stage in a successful transition to sustainable mobility for STIB-MIVB... They are clearly on the path to electromobility,” said Stéphane Espinasse, brand leader for IVECO Bus.