Alexander Dennis has revealed further details of its work to offer battery-electric buses that are fully designed and integrated in-house. Alongside a new small bus already outlined, it will introduce such a double-deck product. Both are to complement the existing BYD ADL Enviro200EV and Enviro400EV models, which will continue to be sold and supported.
The development brings Alexander Dennis battery-electric products in line with the OEM’s established policy of offering its own complete vehicles alongside those that use an ADL body on another party’s chassis. Doing so will “ensure that customers have the widest range of solutions available to meet their individual requirements,” the manufacturer says.
Delivery of the first of the new models will be from late 2023. They will introduce a new design language developed in-house with input from students of Coventry University’s Automotive and Transport Design course. That will give the buses “unmistakeable kerb appeal and highlight their zero-emission credentials,” Alexander Dennis continues.
Unveiled so far is a teaser image of one of the new buses. Further details and drawings will be released over coming months.
An order for 10 Enviro500EV tri-axles in hand for Hong Kong operator KMB will be part of the new generation of battery-electric buses, as hinted at when it was announced in March. Meanwhile, the hydrogen fuel cell-electric Enviro400FCEV will share technology and key driveline components with the newcomers.
Says President and Managing Director Paul Davies: “Alexander Dennis continues to lead the transition to zero-emission mobility, and this unparalleled investment in the latest zero-emission technology gives operators, transport authorities and councils the freedom to choose from an even wider range of buses.
“Throughout this difficult period for our industry, we have continued to challenge our engineering team to evolve our range. The result will be a brand new fully in-house designed and integrated electric double-deck and small bus product, giving our customers access to the latest zero-emission vehicle technology from a single, trusted source.”
