Just weeks after the inauguration of Europe's biggest electric bus fleet, Transport for London contracted operator Go-Ahead has selected the BYD-ADL (Alexander Dennis Ltd) partnership to supply a fleet of 14 10.8m BYD ADL Enviro200 EV buses to operate its 360 route.
This is the first order BYD-ADL has won for the new 10.8m model.
The buses will be based at Go-Ahead's Camberwell garage where BYD will install 14 of its own design charging posts.
Route 360 passes through some of the UK capital's most prestigious areas, connecting South Kensington with Chelsea, Sloane Square and Vauxhall before terminating at the Elephant and Castle.
Says Go-Ahead Group Engineering Director Richard Harrington: “The experience gained in electrifying routes 521 and 507 out of Waterloo was pivotal in deciding who to work with on route 360.
“Having the confidence that the product can operate on London's streets and is capable of running a whole day without the need to recharge put this product to the front of what is becoming a very competitive market.”
Announcing the new order, for which BYD is prime contractor, BYD's UK Country Manager Frank Thorpe says: “This underlines the strength of our joint offer and we again look forward to working with Go-Ahead London on this exciting project. We anticipate delivering the vehicles in the second half of 2017".
Robert Davey, ADL's Group Commercial and Business Development Director, adds: “Along with our recent order from Merseyside this latest order illustrates the attractiveness of the BYD ADL Enviro200EV from an operational and passenger perspective, not to mention the benefits it provides to pedestrians and city dwellers with zero emissions.
“The stylish British-built ADL bodywork mounted on BYD's well proven chassis, and underpinned by the best aftermarket support in the business is truly a winning combination.”