Alexander Dennis has confirmed that Stagecoach will be its launch customer for its Enviro100EV small electric bus, with an initial order for 20 units.
The Enviro100EV model was unveiled in early November as part of Alexander Dennis’ next generation of battery-electric buses.
This highly manoeuvrable vehicle is just 8.5 metres long and 2.35 metres wide and can seat up to 25 passengers.
It is powered by the Voith Electrical Drive System using 354kWh batteries that offer a range of up to 285 miles on a single charge.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said:We’re delighted to have Stagecoach on board as the launch customer for our Enviro100EV ‘big small bus’. We really valued their input as we worked closely with them through the concept phase. These next-generation electric buses will be versatile assets for Stagecoach, their expansive range and diminutive road footprint making them equally suited to narrow town streets as winding country lanes. The Enviro100EV is best-in-class by some distance and with its future-proof battery system and the next generation of aftermarket support from AD24, this new fleet of small buses is destined to enjoy long, productive working lives in the Stagecoach fleet.
This purchase has been supported by the Scottish Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB) for Stagecoach’s operations in Scotland.
Production is now under way and deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2024.
Sam Greer, Chief Operating Officer for Stagecoach, said:Acquiring the new Enviro100EV reaffirms our commitment to our customers experience while also bringing us a step closer to realising our goal of being fully Net Zero by 2050. As a part of the fabric of daily life in the UK, we will continue to build on our work to tackle climate change and become more energy efficient. Having been involved with these battery-electric buses from the concept phase, we are sure they will establish themselves as a long-serving staple of the Stagecoach fleet.