Alexander Dennis has commenced delivery of its next-generation, in-house battery-electric bus range with the first Enviro500EV tri-axle double-deckers for Hong Kong operator KMB.
The work represents a furthering of Alexander Dennis’s relationship with KMB. It placed an initial order for 10 Enviro500EV models in 2023. Delivery of the buses comes as KMB celebrates its 90th anniversary. The Enviro500EV forms part of Alexander Dennis’s wider range of new battery-electric products, which thus far also includes the small Enviro100EV and the two-axle Enviro400EV double-decker.
KMB has applied a green livery to the new deliveries along with a ‘Green is Good’ slogan. Like the other members of Alexander Dennis’s own zero-emission line-up, the Enviro500EV uses the Voith Electrical Drive System, which in heavy-duty form gives a peak power of 410kW.
472kW/h of battery capacity is installed on the Enviro500EV, all of which is “fitted smartly,” Alexander Dennis says. That avoids cabin intrusion and permits a conventional seating layout, including space for two wheelchair users. When the order was placed, the OEM said that the buses will each carry up to 130 passengers. 82 seats are fitted.
President and Managing Director Paul Davies has congratulated KMB on its 90th birthday, adding that Alexander Dennis is “proud to be a longstanding business partner” of Hong Kong’s largest operator.
“This is yet another milestone in our relationship, as our all-new Enviro500EV joins over 2,500 existing Alexander Dennis double-deckers in the KMB fleet.” The new model is “superior to competitor products,” Mr Davies adds.
Alexander Dennis has also taken an Enviro500EV order from MTR Corporation in Hong Kong, which is scheduled for fulfilment in 2023.
