Alexander Dennis’ (ADL’s) in-house battery-electric bus range went on test for the first time with operators last week during a three-day track day event at UTAC Millbrook.
Representatives from 23 operators and trade media were given the chance to get behind the wheel ahead of the rollout of demonstrator models later this year. The vehicles were also put through their paces on the UTAC Millbrook proving ground.
It’s the first time ADL has hosted a test day of this type and follows the launch of the vehicles in November. The decision to host a track day was “the next natural step” according to President and Managing Director Paul Davies and has allowed ADL to gather further first-hand feedback on the new vehicles.
Alongside the testing, Group Engineering Director Chris Gall presented new efficiency figures for the Enviro400EV and Enviro100EV, certified by Zemo Partnership. Noteworthy is the achievement of 0.54kWh/km efficiency of the Enviro100EV, which ADL says has no comparable in the world. The Enviro400EV has meanwhile been certified with an efficiency rating of 0.67kWh/km.
ADL is also understood to be the only OEM to have received positive results through Transport for London’s Head Impact Testing protocol as part of its 2024 Bus Safety Standard for the new models.
“Following the launch in November we felt it would be a good idea to get some rubber on the road for trade press and customers,” says ADL President and Managing Director Paul Davies. “We’ve had great conversations with drivers’ union representatives, engineering directors and managing directors, with practical feedback around the driver position, the feel of the bus and what people are looking for.
“These activities are giving us customer input. And to get the feedback that we have delivered on what was promised, met the expectations of the 3D renders, and delivered on efficiency targets and compliance, has been good. There are always things than we can do better and there is work to do on a few more elements. But these vehicles are the best in class by a margin and solve key requirements of the UK bus market.”
A spokesperson confirms that there are currently 150 firm orders for Transdev Blazefield and Stagecoach for ADL’s in-house battery-electric bus range, while Shuttle Buses in Ayreshire is confirmed to be the first independent operator to secure a vehicle through funding provided by the first round of the ScotZEB challenge fund.
