Alexander Dennis has received the first order for its next-generation Enviro400EV battery electric double deckers.
Stagecoach has ordered 55 vehicles as part of its partnership with Oxfordshire County Council to decarbonise buses in and around Oxford, funded by the Department for Transport’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
Britain’s largest bus operator will introduce the buses to its networks in the county from late 2023.
The Enviro400EV has an operational range of up to 260 miles on a single charge, using a Voith Electrical Drive System next-generation electric driveline.
The buses also include Alexander Dennis’s battery system that ensures continuity of supply throughout vehicle life, allowing Stagecoach to benefit from technology advancements at a mid-life refresh without the need for vehicle modifications.
The vehicles will also be eligible for AD24, Alexander Dennis’s digital aftermarket service that offers the latest fleet maintenance information and training to customers, as well as a range of more than 300,000 specialist parts.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President and Managing Director, said: “Our new Enviro400EV has been uncompromisingly designed to meet the requirements of bus operation in the UK, introducing latest advances in technology including our future-proof battery system while guaranteeing first-class aftermarket support throughout the vehicle’s life with AD24.
“We are delighted to have our long-standing partner Stagecoach as the launch customer for the next generation of battery-electric buses, partnering with us to lead the future success of our bus and coach industry. This investment keeps funding from the Government’s ZEBRA scheme in the country, improving the lives of passengers and residents as well as accelerating decarbonisation.”
Sam Greer, Engineering Director for Stagecoach, said: “We’re pleased to be continuing our commitment to move to a zero emission UK bus fleet by becoming the first operator to make major investment in the new fleet of Enviro400EV buses to operate on our services in Oxford.
“We look forward to working with Alexander Dennis and our partners in Oxfordshire to roll out these new electric buses as part of the important plans to improve air quality in the region.”
