Vantage Power CEO Alex Schey has handed over the UK’s first hybrid tri-axle double-decker to Go-Ahead Group Engineering Director Richard Harrington (pictured, left).
Bought by Go-Ahead London, it is now at work on route 12 (Oxford Circus-Dulwich Library).
London-based Vantage Power, which is developing electrified and connected technologies, has developed the system in partnership with Purfleet-based operator-dealer Ensignbus and BCI of China.
The base vehicle was delivered to dealership Ensignbus in April, since when Vantage’s series hybrid system has been fitted, working with the ‘range-extender’ Cummins 4.5L Euro 6 engine.
Two compact high power lithium-ion battery packs totalling 29kWh, fully electrified ancillaries, an electrically-powered rear axle, and Vantage Power’s unique hybrid vehicle control unit and telemetry system, VPVision, complete the package.
The Enterprise 2HD represents an all-new class of vehicle for the UK market, and will set a new standard for low emissions, fuel consumption and operator costs while providing unrivalled levels of passenger comfort, says Vantage.
Adds Claire Mann, TfL Director of Bus Operations: “We’re always keen to ensure that our bus network reflects the needs of an ever-changing London, so we are working with Go-Ahead to trial a tri-axle bus with a suite of new features.
“This will help to inform our future vehicle strategy and some of the additional features and improvements could be included on our buses in the future as part of the wider changes to our fleet.
“We are currently carrying out testing to determine the appropriate routes for this trial.”
Passengers benefit from a smooth, quiet ride, USB chargers and mobile phone holders in every seat, upgraded seats and full air- conditioning.
It carries 130 passengers – a 52% increase over the 85 passengers carried on a typical double-decker bus – and is a “potential game-changer for reducing congestion on London’s streets,” says Vantage.
Alex Schey, CEO of Vantage Power said, “I am delighted to see Vantage Power’s highly innovative electrified and connected technologies power this unique vehicle, and I look forward to working with our partners to prove this out in the demanding London operating environment.”
Richard Harrington, Engineering Director of Go-Ahead says: “We are pleased to partner Transport for London (TfL) on another innovative scheme designed to make bus travel even more attractive in the capital.
“This high-capacity vehicle additionally delivers another product to the market and along with our partners, we will closely evaluate its performance over the coming months.”
Vantage Power is an award-winning London-based high growth company specialising in developing electrified and connected technologies for heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers.
With a particular focus on battery packs, control systems, next generation telemetry and system design and integration expertise, Vantage Power technology has been deployed in a wide range of applications, from hybrid repower systems for buses through to grid energy storage systems.