U.K.-based bus operator National Express West Midlands has ordered an additional 170 double-decker Enviro400EV buses from the electric vehicle (EV) partnership of Alexander Dennis and BYD UK.
BYD UK is a subsidiary of a Chinese EV manufacturer BYD, while Alexander Dennis is a subsidiary of Canadian bus manufacturer NFI Group.
The vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024, taking the number of BYD AD Enviro400EV buses operated by National Express in the West Midlands to 329. The fleet includes a previous order for 130 buses that forms part of the U.K. government’s plan to make Coventry the country’s first all-electric bus city by the year 2025.
“Replacing our diesel buses with electric means we are on track to meet net zero in a way that is good for business and good for communities,” said Tom Stables, CEO of National Express UK & Germany. “These new British buses, built in Falkirk by Alexander Dennis on a BYD chassis, are clean, green double decker buses that are popular with customers.”
“As a result, they are not only more economical to run but they will boost passenger growth and revenue by getting more people to ditch their cars for the bus; and of course they do their bit to help tackle the climate and clean air emergency,” Stables adds.
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Alexander Dennis notes that National Express is already operating more than half of the 130 BYD AD Enviro400EV buses ordered on its bus routes across Coventry.
The new order is in line with National Express’ commitment to have a completely zero-emission bus fleet in the UK by 2030, with the electricity to power the EVs being 100 percent renewable and zero carbon.
“We are excited to help National Express deliver its ambitious plans in support of the West Midlands’ target to become a zero-carbon region by 2041,” said Martin West, Commercial Director of Alexander Dennis Group. “This repeat order from National Express will create the largest fleet of BYD AD Enviro400EV electric double deck buses in the country and shows the gathering pace of the transition to zero-emission mobility.”
Alexander Dennis has received numerous orders from transit firms in the United Kingdom. In December, Transport for Greater Manchester completed the second half of a 100-bus order. One month earlier, Stagecoach ordered 200 Enviro400 double-deck electric buses.
