Reading Buses will receive 24 latest-generation Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers as part of a 53-vehicle order placed with Alexander Dennis.
The Enviro400EV fleet and its associated infrastructure are part-funded by a successful bid by Reading Borough Council to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund. It was allocated £4.7 million. The operator will upgrade its Great Knollys Street depot with 13 fast chargers that can each handle two buses at once as part of the work.
When the Enviro400EVs are in service from June 2025, they will displace some of the operator’s existing biogas-fuelled vehicles to enable the retirement of older diesel buses. The battery-electrics will be deployed onto the Purple 17 and Claret 21 routes, with the latter serving the University of Reading.
Managing Director Robert Williams says that the Enviro400EV was chosen after “extensive testing of demonstrators from a number of suppliers.” Passenger and driver experience were prioritised in the decision. The model “has the best layout for customers” and drivers like it, Mr Williams adds.
In addition to the battery-electrics, 29 diesel buses will also be procured from Alexander Dennis. 21 Enviro400 double-deckers are to be complemented by eight Enviro200 single-deckers.
The diesel double-deckers will arrive between October and December and will be utilised on longer-distance duties including the Jet Black route between Reading and Newbury and the London Line 702 and Flightline 703 services. Glazed staircases, skylights and tables form part of their high specification level in the same vein as others already in the fleet.
Newbury and District will receive the Enviro200s to completely replace the local fleet there on a mix of commercial and contracted services.
Mr Williams adds that those buses will suit rural applications in West Berkshire. “They will be a real step change for our customers in the area as we bring some more of the Reading Buses sparkle to Newbury and District,” he concludes.
