Transdev Blazefield has introduced its new Enviro400EV electric buses to shareholders and the public in North Yorkshire, UK. The buses, set to operate under subsidiary The Harrogate Bus Company, will serve the popular route 36, connecting Leeds, Harrogate, and Ripon.
The company has invested in 19 electric double-deckers from Alexander Dennis, each equipped with a 472 kWh battery. These buses will join the fleet over the coming months, enhancing the region’s sustainable transportation options. To support quick charging, the buses feature roof-mounted charging rails, allowing for pantograph charging at the Harrogate bus station.
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This initiative is part of Transdev Blazefield’s broader commitment to sustainability. The purchase of the electric buses was made possible through funding from the UK Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. Additionally, the company has ordered 20 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro single-deck buses, further demonstrating its dedication to electrifying its fleet.
Incorporating passenger comfort and convenience, the new buses offer bespoke flooring, USB and wireless mobile device charging, and the latest audio-visual passenger information systems, including displays facing the two wheelchair bays.
“I believe that the configuration considered in this bus is the best available and integrates all the latest innovation that we could think of,” said Henri Rohard, Managing Director of Transdev Blazefield. “The design has been considered to improve our passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility. We will continue to integrate after the launch, additional features to further boost the quality of our passenger and driver on-board information.”
Commenting on the suitability of the Enviro400EV for the route, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director Paul Davies said, “Our Enviro400EV is excellently suited to the interurban nature of this service, with our heavy-duty driveline perfectly matched to the requirements of route 36, delivering the power required whilst offering the efficiency needed to comfortably cover high daily mileages. We’re combining this with class-leading warrantable energy throughput to ensure these buses will go further for longer, driving value for Transdev through their efficiency and longevity.”
The introduction of these environmentally friendly buses marks a significant step forward in Transdev Blazefield’s efforts to provide sustainable public transport solutions. The company’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the region underscores its position as a leader in the field of green transportation.