Alexander Dennis (ADL), in conjunction with Chinese partner BYD, has delivered nine electric buses to Stagecoach South for use on Guildford’s park and ride service routes.

In addition to the nine 10.8m electric buses, the order also consisted of all the necessary charging equipment to keep the buses running. The buses for the Guildford service are to the BYD ADL provincial spec, recently previewed at Euro Bus Expo, with a single door and 36 seats.

It’s the first order from Stagecoach for the BYD ADL partnership, and naturally the two companies are hoping that these nine vehicles will be the first of many. Stagecoach is one of the largest public transport operators in the UK, with about 8,000 buses and coaches in operation

The delivery underlines the steady growth in the BYD ADL partnership’s reach as it begins the penetration of provincial fleets outside London.

The nine electric buses will connect three car parks and a leisure centre with Guildford town centre, operating six days a week, with service frequencies of between 10 and 15 minutes. It is the first fleet of pure electric buses to enter service in the town.

Arthur Whiteside, ADL’s managing director for UK Sales, said: “We are delighted to support Stagecoach South and Surrey County Council in their introduction of clean, zero-emission buses. With passenger-centric interiors and excellent onboard amenities, they will further enhance the attractiveness of Guildford as a destination and place of employment in the regional economy.”

Speaking at the launch event in Guildford today, BYD’s UK Country Manager, Frank Thorpe, said: “Our joint enterprise has now supplied advanced electric buses to the majority of the major bus operating groups in the UK and, as with all of our customers, we have been able to provide much more than the bus. Our know-how has assisted in the provision of the necessary infrastructure, including BYD-built chargers.”

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