Transport group National Express has put 10 new BYD ADL Enviro400EVs electric double-deck buses into operation in Coventry, linking the city centre and University Hospital.
The buses, produced by electric vehicle partnership Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) and BYD Europe, are part of a wider investment in 29 zero emission Enviro400EVs by National Express. Built to National Express’s Platinum standard, the 10.9m long Enviro400EVs offer extra legroom for up to 65 seated passengers as well as USB chargers and free wi-fi. An advanced heat pump system ensures that saloon heating power is supplied efficiently from the main batteries without unduly impacting operational range.
The 382kWh BYD Iron-Phosphate batteries on each vehicle are maintained by Zenobe Energy, an owner-operator of mobile and stationary batteries, which provides them to National Express along with the charging system at the depot and a software platform that helps monitor and optimise energy use.
Coventry’s new fleet of 10 electric double deckers follows 19 similar vehicles for Birmingham that ADL supplied earlier in the year.
David Bradford, managing director of National Express Bus, said: “Earlier this year we announced our ambition to have a zero emission bus fleet from 2030, so we’re very proud that National Express is bringing fully electric buses to the people of Coventry. By working together in partnership, we are determined to improve bus services and drive down pollution and emissions which contribute to poor air quality and climate change.”
ADL’s president and managing director, Paul Davies, said: “We look forward to continuing to support National Express as it moves towards the bold target of having a fully zero emission bus fleet in the West Midlands by 2030.”
BYD (UK)’s managing director, Frank Thorpe, added: “The commitment to a zero emissions fleet from National Express is as commendable as it is bold, and is indicative of more and more public transport operators who see electrification in particular as a viable long-term solution for their scheduled routes. Our BYD ADL Enviro400EV double decker is a proven product, already in service with a growing number of customers, delivering tangible operational benefits and providing safe, quiet, emissions-free transport for their passengers.”
