Kiel’s public bus operator, KVG Kieler Verkehrsgesellschaft (KVG), is set to make history as the first German operator to receive delivery of Mellor Sigma electric buses. The three Sigma 7s have been tailored to KVG’s specifications and are expected to be operational by March 2023. The compact Sigma 7s are ideal for use on Kiel’s narrowest streets, with capacity for up to 31 passengers in just 7 meters. The buses will be supplied in partnership with Mellor’s regional sales and service partner, Jebsen & Jessen.
Mellor and Jebsen & Jessen worked closely with KVG to ensure that the buses meet the operator’s specific use requirements. As part of the agreement, Mellor provided a training course for the bus operators on one of their demonstration vehicles prior to the delivery of the brand new buses.
The KVG Sigma 7 is configured to seat 14 passengers with one wheelchair space and is fitted with Mellor’s cold climate adaptations to cope with Kiel’s chilly winters. This includes a more powerful driver and saloon HVAC system, as well as a battery thermal pre-conditioning system that maximizes the driving range on colder days.
Gustavo Marqueta, Group Business Development Director at Mellor (WN VTech Group), expressed his delight at the partnership: “It is a pleasure to work with JJ e-Mobility & KVG Kiel to bring Sigma 7 to Germany – yet another landmark moment for the Mellor brand, which is expanding internationally.
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The operator’s use case is exactly the reason why Sigma exists – a size-appropriate design that offers a low total cost of ownership but is packaged as a ground-up electric bus. We’re grateful for the confidence KVG has put into us and our Sigma product range and we look forward to seeing the buses in fee earning service.”
The adoption of the electric buses marks a significant step in Kiel’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace a sustainable future. The city’s residents and visitors can look forward to quieter, cleaner, and more efficient public transport in the coming years.
