Alexander Dennis has taken a further order for its battery-electric Enviro500EV tri-axle double-decker in the United States, with California agency Foothill Transit returning for 12 more of the type.
They will be members of the manufacturer’s latest generation battery-electric range and complement two earlier pilot buses that were delivered in 2021.
The new examples will be used to upgrade Foothill Transit’s Silver Streak bus rapid transit (BRT) route between downtown Los Angeles and cities in the San Gabriel Valley. They will enter service in 2026. That route uses the El Monte Busway and operates 24/7, currently with articulated vehicles.
Success with Foothill Transit for Alexander Dennis follows a deal announced recently with Sound Transit in Washington state for 33 Enviro500EVs. The Sound Transit buses will also be used on BRT services.
Like the members of the latest-generation Alexander Dennis battery-electric range introduced in the UK, the Enviro500EV in North American specification will utilise the Voith Electrical Drive System.
Foothill Transit has already purchased zero-emission buses from Alexander Dennis sister company New Flyer, including 33 hydrogen fuel cell-electric examples. The Enviro500EV deal “aligns with our vision for a sustainable future,” says Foothill Transit CEO Doran Barnes.
Adds Mr Barnes: “We are proud to partner with Alexander Dennis to bring these cutting-edge double-deck electric buses to our communities. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly and efficient transit services.”
The buses will be built by Alexander Dennis partner Big Rig Manufacturing in Nevada. Alexander Dennis North America Vice-President Stephen Walsh has welcomed the latest order. “After trials with two earlier Enviro500EV pilot buses, Foothill Transit’s selection of Alexander Dennis’s next-generation technology for its Silver Streak is a huge vote of confidence for us,” says Mr Walsh.
“With increased energy storage, revised drivetrain configuration and modular battery configurations, the Enviro500EV with next-generation technology will improve range and other capabilities vital to the mixed profile of inner-city roads and freeways that are the features of the Silver Streak.”
