Liverpool has become the first city outside London to board the electric bus revolution with pure electric buses from the ADL/BYD partnership, supported by OLEV funding.
At a ceremony by Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance (Arriva, Stagecoach and Merseytravel) a fleet of 12 BYD ADL Enviro200EV 12m buses were introduced to the new Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham.
operated by Arriva Merseyside, the 38-seaters enter service later this month on the city centre circular routes 26 and 27, known as The Belt, from the Liverpool One bus station.
BYD chargers have been installed at Arriva's Green Lane depot.
The order is significant in that it is the first to be won by the ADL/BYD partnership outside London. In the capital, so far the partnership has won every Transport for London tender so far for full size pure electric buses – with 157 in service or on order.
Merseyside buses will cover 100-130 miles per day. Most operate 12 hours a day, but one duty calls for a 19-hour operating schedule, and will be charged overnight.
Howard Farrall, Arriva Merseyside MD said: "Arriva is committed to ensuring its fleet meets the latest clean vehicle standards. We are extremely proud to be joining forces with ADL and BYD UK at the forefront of the electric bus revolution. This new partnership will further contribute to Arriva's ‘Destination Green' environmental goal, which includes ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy and invest in renewable sources".
"This is a landmark moment not just for the successful BYD ADL partnership but for the roll-out of zero-emission electric buses in British cities. We are delighted as prime contractor to help Arriva Merseyside and Merseytravel make buses an even cleaner and greener option for Liverpool.
“Arriva's Enviro200EV demonstrate that the technology is ready to roll out fully electric buses in provincial towns and cities without compromising on operational efficiency," said Arthur Whiteside, Managing Director – UK Sales at ADL.
"Liverpool is pioneering a route for other British cities and one which they can follow with full confidence that the BYD ADL partnership can deliver a range of proven, efficient and attractive products which can play a key role in improving city street air quality. We will be working hard to build on our leading role in London in other cities", said Isbrand Ho, Managing Director, BYD Europe.
