Alexander Dennis has launched the first batch of Enviro100EV electric buses into service at a launch event in Ayr.
Measuring at 8.5m in length and 2.35m in width, the Enviro100EV buses seat up to 25 passengers with a set of 2+2 seating onboard, and come equipped with the Voith Electrical Drive System, as well as a battery system developed specifically for Alexander Dennis by Impact Clean Power Technology.
The launch event, which was attended by representatives of the company, celebrated the company introducing the first ‘big small bus’ into service with Stagecoach.
The vehicle’s battery system, which has a total capacity of 354kWh, allows for operation of up to 285 miles, enabling a longer operating life than the vehicle’s original batteries.
Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, Paul Davies, said:This is a really proud moment for the team at Alexander Dennis as the very first Enviro100EV is officially launched in partnership with Stagecoach here in West Scotland. The Enviro100EV is our brand new battery-electric small bus that has been engineered to feel just like a big bus. We’ve packed a significant amount of power into our ‘big small bus’ making it the best-in-class by some distance, with its 354kWh of battery capacity and up to 285 miles of range, alongside its future-proof battery system and the next generation of aftermarket support from AD24. We know this fleet of small buses will enjoy a long, productive working life supporting Stagecoach West Scotland towards their target for a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
Purchase of the buses has been supported by the Scottish Government’s ScotZEB challenge fund and will see routes benefitted across East, South and North Ayrshire, as well as increase Stagecoach’s electric bus fleet across Ayrshire to 60 vehicles.
Speaking at the launch event for the vehicle’s Stagecoach West Scotland Managing Director Fiona Doherty said:This launch demonstrates that we are delivering on our commitment to decarbonise our fleet across Ayrshire. These 12 new EV midibuses are an important addition to our service and they will serve communities in Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock in particular with zero-emission transport. This £5 million investment comes on top of the £15.7 million invested in the transition to electric in 2023 making bus travel in Ayrshire one of the greenest forms of transport available.
