Telecommunications group Sky is working with Alexander Dennis, BYD, Cobra Corporate Services and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach to introduce eight BYD ADL Enviro200EV battery-electric buses to its staff and visitor shuttle services in Edinburgh and London.
Cobra will operate the vehicles on Sky’s behalf. It has chosen Dawsongroup Bus and Coach’s fully supported contract hire solution, allowing Cobra to focus on service delivery. The first two Enviro200EVs entered service between Livingston Campus in Scotland’s central belt and public transport hubs on 2 August, while the remaining six will commence operation at Osterley Campus in London on 15 August.
Introduction of the Enviro200EV shuttle fleet for staff and visitors is part of a goal for Sky to become net-zero carbon by 2030. The buses will complete a full day’s work on one charge and replace diesel vehicles previously used.
Says Cobra Corporate Services Director Steve Dowling: “After many months of research, discussions and preparation to ensure that the correct products were used, BYD and ADL are the right choice of electric bus for us to integrate into the Sky Zero strategy.
“The decision to continue the relationship with Dawsongroup and our chosen infrastructure suppliers made all the hard work that much easier. Pooling in knowledge from the industry leaders in bus and charger manufacturing has enabled a confident launch of service delivery as we enter our operations into the world of electrically propelled passenger transport.”
Adds Dawsongroup Bus and Coach Sales Director Fraser Innes: “This has been a fantastic project to be part of, from the early planning to the rollout of the product. We are delighted to have partnered with Cobra Corporate Services in providing this innovative solution for its client and supporting it with the premium service levels required over the years to come.”
Alexander Dennis claims that the Sky project involving battery-electric buses “is the largest of its kind in the country.” The BYD ADL partnership now has over 1,400 zero-emission buses in service or on order across the UK.
