Transport group Stagecoach has ordered 55 Enviro400EV double-deck battery-electric buses from Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI, as part of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
The buses will be used on Stagecoach’s Oxford city and Oxfordshire networks from late 2023, making it the first firm order for the new battery-electric double decker fully designed and built by Alexander Dennis. The Enviro400EV is designed for busy urban corridors and interurban expresses with an operational range of up to 260 miles on a single charge and improved lower deck seating.
It uses a Voith Electrical Drive System and a future-proof battery system from Alexander Dennis. Stagecoach and Oxfordshire County Council are working together to decarbonize buses in the area with funding from the UK Department of Transport.
“We’re pleased to be continuing our commitment to move to a zero-emission UK bus fleet by becoming the first operator to make major investment in the new fleet of Enviro400EV buses to operate on our services in Oxford,” said Sam Greer, Engineering Director for Stagecoach. “We have a positive track record of working with Alexander Dennis to decarbonize our fleet across the country, including in Scotland where we will shortly be introducing the UK’s first all-electric bus cities. We look forward to working with Alexander Dennis and our partners in Oxfordshire to roll out these new electric buses as part of the important plans to improve air quality in the region.”
“Our new Enviro400EV has been uncompromisingly designed to meet the requirements of bus operation in the UK, introducing latest advances in technology including our future-proof battery system while guaranteeing first-class aftermarket support throughout the vehicle’s life with AD24,” said Paul Davies, President & Managing Director, Alexander Dennis. “We are delighted to have our long-standing partner Stagecoach as the launch customer for Alexander Dennis’ next generation of battery-electric buses, partnering with us to lead the future success of our bus and coach industry. This investment keeps funding from the Government’s ZEBRA scheme in the UK, improving the lives of passengers and residents, and accelerating decarbonization.”
