ADL launches electric bus models in the UK & Ireland

ADL will start processing customer orders for both vehicle types immediately. The manufacturer is aiming for the first deliveries in “the first months of 2024”. The Enviro100EV is a midibus, and the Enviro400EV is an eleven-metre double-decker. ADL unveiled both models last year at the Euro Bus Expo 2022 in Birmingham. They are based on a new Group platform for BEVs and FCEVs, which ADL says incorporates “the insights of the entire NFI Group”. The new battery-electric double-decker continues to bear the name Enviro400EV, meaning it is identically named to the BYD-ADL collaboration’s previous electric double-decker. However, they are different buses in terms of construction.

These differences are as follows: Launched in 2019, the Enviro400EV from BYD and ADL has two BYD motors with a maximum of 150 kW each and iron phosphate batteries from BYD with 375 or 382 kWh on board. The model seats 87 passengers, including 72 seated. The stated range is up to 160 miles (around 257 kilometres). The Enviro400EV, now designed under ADL’s sole responsibility, is said to have a peak power of 410 kW and will be offered with two battery options (472 or 354 kWh). ADL is switching to NMC for the cell chemistry. The manufacturer specifies a passenger capacity of 96 passengers and a maximum range of 260 miles (around 418 kilometres).

The main features highlighted by ADL are an improved seating arrangement in the lower deck, the installation of Voith’s VEDS electric drive system with a permanent magnet traction motor and a battery design developed in-house, with the battery system being assembled by Impact Clean Power Technology. ADL does not disclose the cell supplier. In terms of design, differences from the previous double-decker are noticeable at the front, for example in the headlights. In addition, all-round glazing and a more inclined windscreen are said to have improved the driver’s view.

Alexander Dennis emphasises in his statement that “In addition to its next-generation buses, Alexander Dennis will continue to sell and support electric buses built in partnership with BYD”. Specifically, these are the Enviro200EV as a single-decker and said Enviro400EV as a double-decker. The latter is also available in a short version. According to the ADL, more than 1,500 of these BYD-ADL examples are currently in use in Great Britain and Ireland.

It is known about the new Enviro100EV that it is 8.5 metres long and can carry 45 passengers (25 of them seated). The electric motor from Voith delivers 230 kW continuous and 260 kW peak power. The manufacturer puts the energy content of the batteries at 236 or 354 kWh – again, batteries with NMC cell chemistry. The range is said to be 190 miles with the smaller battery and 285 miles with the larger one – converted to 305 and 459 kilometres respectively.

Both new electric buses come with a five-year warranty as standard, according to the manufacturer. ADL provides an eight-year warranty on the batteries, which can optionally be extended to up to twelve years. Based on an internal analysis, the British bus manufacturer estimates that the Enviro400EV, for example, “can cover two consecutive seven-year contract periods on typical Transport for London routes without battery replacement or on typical provincial routes for up to 20 years with only one battery replacement in the middle of the life cycle”.

ADL has also announced that it is already developing an international version of the Enviro100EV, as well as an open version of the double-decker Enviro400EV. Additionally, Alexander Dennis’ BEV range for Great Britain and Ireland is to be supplemented in 2025 by a new generation of the Enviro200EV solo bus, which will then also be completely developed and built by ADL itself.

“The pace of change in our industry is rapid. We are proud of the progress we’ve made with electric buses over the last seven years, and our wide range of low-emission technologies before that,” says ADL President and CEO Paul Davies. “Now it’s time for us to take the next step and take zero-emission buses to the next level. We’re giving authorities and operators more choice, more flexibility and more value with our next generation of battery-electric buses.”

alexander-dennis.com, alexander-dennis.com (Enviro 100 EV), alexander-dennis.com (Enviro 400 EV)