BYD battery-electric bus chassis used in the manufacturer’s partnership with Alexander Dennis (ADL) are to be designed and assembled in the UK. The move will include an aim to source components here “where possible.”
Assembly of Enviro200EV and Enviro400EV chassis by ADL is planned to begin in the second half of 2021. It will be undertaken at both of ADL’s Falkirk and Scarborough sites with support from BYD staff. The move is in response to “the increasing demand for zero-emission vehicles,” the two parties say. It also supports jobs in Britain and will foster the development of skills in the clean vehicle market, they add.
Comments BYD UK Managing Director Frank Thorpe: “This news underpins the fantastic relationship we have with ADL in the UK. We have always worked closely together to deliver the highest quality products and services, and we are confident that the production of complete vehicles here will bring even greater efficiencies for our customers.
“More importantly, this commitment from both BYD and ADL reflects the acceptance of e-mobility from local authorities and operators and their passengers. Electrification in our towns and cities is gathering pace, and the BYD ADL partnership is spearheading the drive towards a more sustainable future.”
ADL President and MD Paul Davies adds: “I am delighted that we are moving our electric bus partnership to this next level and building complete zero-emission buses for the UK market in the UK. This ensures that investment in sustainable transport for our towns and cities delivers full economic benefits to communities across the country.”
Over 500 BYD ADL battery-electric buses have been delivered or are on order. Those in service have covered a combined over 16m miles. Until now, BYD chassis were fully built by the manufacturer before being shipped to the UK for bodying by ADL.
