Belgium / China – Chinese bus manufacturer, Higer Bus Co Ltd of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China unveiled a new 9-metre electric bus (Azure 9) at Busworld, held in Brussels, Belgium. Higer says this new mid-sized low-floor urban city electric bus has been developed specifically for the European bus market with a new appearance, high efficiency, low energy consumption and new safety features. The bus ranges from 8.7 to 9 metres in length and builds on the 12-metre Higer Azure series imported by the Harris Group in Ireland. The vehicle has various options for passenger seats which can alter its intended application.

Equipped with a new generation of CATL battery, electric motor and new electronic control system, the company is confident it will be a success in Europe. The front independent suspension system enables the bus to have a turning radius of less than seven metres. Equipped with an Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) system, Higer says this enhances the vehicle's capacity to operate on many different road types and conditions. Additionally, the bus uses a telematics box which allows easier data transmission and real-time monitoring through Higer’s online platform.