Spanish electric bus manufacturer Irizar has received a new order from France, securing a contract with RATP Dev for ten units of the 12-metre-long Irizar ie bus model. The electric buses are scheduled to enter service in mid-July 2025, enhancing the bus network operated by Brest Métropole.
The Irizar ie bus is designed for efficiency, quiet operation, and accessibility. Each bus will be equipped with the latest generation 470 kWh batteries, providing a range of 350 kilometers. The buses feature three doors, an electric ramp for easy access, 24 seats, and two spaces designated for wheelchairs.
Iñigo Etxeberria, General Director of Irizar e-mobility, expressed enthusiasm for the contract, stating, “After the recent order from the Communauté d’agglomération du Pays Basque, we’re delighted to announce this new contract with RATP Dev for Brest Métropole. France is an important country for us. More than 200 Irizar electric buses are on the road in several French cities.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Brest Métropole in its transition to greener, zero-emissions urban transport.
The recent order follows a previous one from the Basque Country, which was announced in June. That order includes seven Irizar ie tram buses in an 18-metre articulated version and four 12-metre solo buses. The new buses will complement the 18 electric buses that have been in operation in the French Basque Country since 2019. While the Irizar ie bus for Brest maintains a conventional bus appearance, the Irizar ie tram model features a modern design that evokes the look of a tram, earning it the nickname “Tram bus.”
Irizar, headquartered in Ormaiztegi, Basque Country, has a rich history dating back to 1889. The company made a strategic shift a decade ago to focus on the production of battery-electric buses, establishing itself as a key player in the sustainable transportation sector.
