Alexander Dennis has taken an order from Washington state agency Sound Transit for 33 examples of its latest-generation Enviro500EV battery-electric double-decker.
The agreement represents a first order for that vehicle type in the United States, although a handful of previous-generation Enviro500EV models were sold there.
The Sound Transit examples will be delivered in 2026. They will be used on two new Stride bus rapid transit routes that are being developed along the Interstate 405 corridor to the east of Seattle to connect communities and light rail stations.
Assembly will be in Nevada by Big Rig Manufacturing, which is Alexander Dennis’s partner for production of the Enviro500 range in North America.
Notably, the buses will be equipped with wireless, inductive on-route charging thanks to Pennsylvania supplier InductEV. That will enhance range and operational performance and be a first for double-decker buses in North America.
Sound Transit was an early adopter of double-decker buses in the United States. It currently operates 50 diesel-powered Enviro500s on express routes in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Speaking about the deal, Alexander Dennis North America Vice-President Stephen Walsh says: “We are excited to once again be working with our longstanding customer Sound Transit in the Puget Sound region, which has selected our Enviro500EV with next-generation technology for its new Stride bus rapid transit service.
“This award highlights the resurging demand for our double-deck buses in North America following the relaunch of Buy America-compliant production with Big Rig Manufacturing.
“The order was placed after we completed extensive route mapping exercises in conjunction with Sound Transit, using automotive-grade modelling to fully understand the operational requirements. This ensures that the Enviro500EV will take Stride in its stride and give riders a smooth journey experience.”
Alexander Dennis has already sold the latest-generation Enviro500EV to operators in Hong Kong. President and Managing Director Paul Davies confirmed in 2023 that the model could be built for the UK, should demand warrant.
