Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD UK have jointly announced that their electric vehicle (EV) partnership, the UK’s leading electric bus producer, has supplied 29 BYD ADL Enviro400EV models to Abellio London for use on Transport for London (TfL) route 63 between King’s Cross and Honor Oak.
The zero emission double-deckers have innovative features, aimed at making them an even more attractive, green alternative to the car as London recovers from the pandemic.
ADL is a subsidiary of leading independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group, while BYD is the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEV) and power batteries.
The new buses on route 63 have a more open feel thanks to a skylight on the upper deck and handles on the backs of seats rather than vertical poles for an unobstructed view.
USB chargers and mobile phone holders in the seats mean passengers can work or relax more easily, while also taking the time to watch the sights of London go by.
New digital signage onboard the buses shares a wider range of real-time information, including the time to the next stop, disruptions, space on the next bus and service updates for Tube and overground services.
Thanks to the ADL’s extensive experience in tailoring buses’ interiors to customer requirements, the manufacturer was well placed to adapt the interior of the BYD ADL Enviro400EV electric double deckers. They were built at ADL’s factory in Scarborough, Yorkshire, supporting skilled green jobs and apprenticeships.
The electric buses are powered by BYD iron-phosphate battery technology providing a longer driving range and optimised battery life. They also benefit from BYD’s innovative chassis, incorporating a ‘six in one controller’ integrating the entire ecosystem of the bus for improved reliability.
Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s director of buses, said: “We have made significant progress in developing zero-emission buses and with bus safety over the last few years, leading the way for the rest of the UK. Ultimately, any evolution of the bus in the capital is focused on the customer.
“These brand new buses on route 63 show our ambition to enhance the customer offer, bringing together for the first time a suite of new features that improve everything from comfort to journey speeds and make buses the obvious choice over the car.
“An ongoing investment pipeline into the capital’s zero emission buses is not only essential to keep London moving in a sustainable way, it is crucial in supporting green jobs across the UK.”
Jon Eardley, Abellio London managing director, said: “At Abellio London we believe that continued and sustained investment in the capital’s zero emission fleet is essential to attract more people to use public transport, which in turn promotes other modes of active travel.
“Encouraging more people to use the bus by improving the offer to our customers is a catalyst for the decarbonisation of the network and helping to deliver the Mayor’s zero emission network and active travel targets.”
Chris Gall, ADL Group Engineering Director, said: “ TfL’s sustained investment in its bus network is hugely important as it underpins skilled jobs and apprenticeships at our factories in Yorkshire and Scotland, our aftermarket facilities across the country, as well as in our extensive domestic supply chain, supporting communities through reinvestment in local economies.”
Frank Thorpe, BYD UK managing director, said: “TfL and Abellio are proactively setting a high benchmark for sustainable zero-emission bus transport in London, making the service both practical from an operational perspective and desirable to the public.
“We are pleased to support them on their evolving journey as they continue to invest in clean, safe, eco-friendly pure electric solutions. Innovation and collaboration are integral to achieving ambitious net zero strategies.
“BYD strongly believes in the value of partnerships to help fast-track environmental goals for transport authorities and operators, such as TfL and Abellio. We are proud to bring our world-leading expertise in batteries and integrated powertrain technology to our successful eBus venture in the UK with ADL.”
