The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has placed an order for 58 Enviro400EV double-decker buses from Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc.
The order forms part of the region’s plans to improve public transport services and transition to a zero-emission fleet.
The new electric buses are scheduled to be introduced into service later in 2025.
Currently, the Liverpool City Region’s bus network is operated by commercial operators. However, from 2026, the region will introduce a franchised system, bringing greater public oversight.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:Buses are the backbone of our public transport network – around 80% of all public transport journeys in our region are taken by bus. But for too long, our communities have been left with a second-class service that simply doesn’t work for them. That’s why we’re taking back control of our buses and putting the public back at the heart of public transport.
These new, state-of-the-art, all-electric double-deckers are another step towards building the London-style transport system our region deserves – one that’s reliable, affordable, and works for the people it’s meant to serve. And because they’re built right here in Britain, they’re helping to support thousands of good, well-paid jobs and apprenticeships too.
Franchising will be the biggest shake-up to our bus network in decades, but we’re not waiting until 2026 to make things better. Whether it’s capping fares at £2 or investing in cleaner, greener vehicles, we’re getting on with the job of making journeys cheaper, better, and more sustainable for local people.
The purchase of the new vehicles is supported by the Department for Transport’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas fund (ZEBRA 2).
The Enviro400EV is Alexander Dennis’ next-generation electric double-decker. According to independent testing by the Zemo Partnership, the model has an energy consumption of 0.67kWh per kilometre on the UK Bus Cycle and a charging efficiency of 97%. The buses are expected to offer lower operating costs due to their energy efficiency and battery performance.
All 58 buses will be manufactured in the United Kingdom, supporting employment at Alexander Dennis and throughout its supply chain. The manufacturer employs approximately 1,900 skilled workers and maintains partnerships with over 8,000 suppliers across the UK.
Paul Davies, President & Managing Director, Alexander Dennis said:We’re honoured to support the team at the Combined Authority and Mayor Steve Rotheram as they work to further improve bus services across the Liverpool City Region. The 58 new Enviro400EV double deckers we’re building will cut out tailpipe emissions and offer passengers a smoother, quieter journey. They will also support British jobs and apprenticeships across our own network of facilities as well as in our extensive supply chain, ensuring that public money is reinvested in our economy.
