Ten new electric double decker buses supplied by Alexander Dennis and its EV partner BYD Europe have entered service with National Express in Coventry.
The latest additions to the fleet are part of a larger 29 vehicle order for the zero-emission BYD ADL Enviro400EV.
All have been finished in the manufacturer’s ‘Platinum’ trim, offering extra legroom for up to 65 seated passengers as well as USB chargers and free wi-fi.
They also feature an advanced heat pump system ensures that supplies heating efficiently from the main batteries without unduly impacting operational range.
As part of the deal, the batteries on the vehicle and charging infrastructure will be maintained by Zenobe Energy, one the UK’s largest owner-operators of mobile and stationary batteries.
Zenobe will provide a charging system at the depot, as well as a software platform to monitor and optimise energy use – supporting National Express’s transition to electric vehicles.
David Bradford, Managing Director of National Express Bus, said, “Earlier this year we announced our ambition to have a zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
“By working together in partnership, we are determined to improve bus services and drive down pollution and emissions which contribute to poor air quality and climate change.”
ADL’s President and Managing Director, Paul Davies, said: “With the market’s widest range of clean buses, we have been able to meet National Express Group’s fleet requirements as it begins the transition from buying diesel to zero emission buses, allowing us to grow our long-standing relationship. We look forward to continuing to support National Express as it moves towards the bold target of having a fully zero emission bus fleet in the West Midlands by 2030.”