LARBERT, UK, July 4, 2019 /CNW/ -
(TSX: NFI) Alexander Dennis Limited ("ADL"), a subsidiary of NFI
Group Inc. ("NFI Group"), one of the world's largest independent
global bus manufacturers, announced that its partnership with BYD
Auto Co. Ltd. ("BYD"), the leading UK electric ("EV") bus, has
unveiled the first of 37 new zero-emission, fully electric BYD ADL
Enviro400 EV double deck buses for delivery to London bus operator, Metroline.
The first five vehicles entered service this week on Metroline's
route 43 as part of the bus operator's contract with Transport for
London ("TfL"), operating out of
Metroline's Holloway Bus Garage. Route 43 runs from Friern Barnet
to London Bridge, a total distance of nine miles.
Adrian Jones, Engineering
Director at Metroline, said, "The launch of the new electric buses
on route 43 is a triumph for both Metroline and for London. Providing a new challenge for
Metroline's engineering teams, we worked closely with engineers at
ADL and BYD to develop these new buses. As a result, they are
perfectly designed to deliver Londoners to their destinations,
whilst helping to keep London's
air cleaner with zero-emissions."
The new Enviro400EV possesses the same DNA as its proven
Enviro200EV stablemate, albeit with a new chassis and lightweight
aluminium double deck bodywork measuring 10.9m in length, 4.3m high and 2.55m
wide. Power is delivered via BYD's fully electric drivetrain
technology featuring high capacity 382 kWh BYD Iron-Phosphate
batteries providing an impressive 160 mile range.
The new double deck layout specifically for the Metroline order
boasts a lower saloon capacity of 24 forward-facing seats and 43
forward-facing seats in the upper saloon – 67 seats in total. A
modern exterior retains the traditional design cues of London's iconic red double deck buses with
thoroughly modern bodywork designed and manufactured by ADL. 'City'
styling features includes a striking glazed staircase providing
aesthetic appeal for passengers, other road users and pedestrians.
Further specification is to TfL's exacting standards including a
long wheelchair bay and automatic wheelchair ramp at the rear
doors.
ADL Chief Executive, Colin
Robertson, commented: "Since it began in 2015, the
collaboration with BYD has gone from strength to strength – our
best-selling Enviro200EV single deck buses hit a landmark 2 million
miles of zero emissions service earlier this year and we are
delighted to see the relationship evolve with the first pure
electric double decks now on the streets of London. We're confident the Enviro400EV can
emulate the success of its single deck equivalent, delivering
cleaner air, less noise pollution and extreme passenger comfort for
all."
"We are thrilled to be able to present the first BYD ADL double
deck bus for London at the start
of what we believe will be a continuation of our highly successful
partnership with Metroline and TfL," said BYD Europe Managing
Director, Isbrand Ho.
The new Enviro400EV is built in Britain at ADL's facility in Scarborough, Yorkshire, using BYD components assembled into
a powered chassis built in Europe
at BYD's plant in Komarom, Hungary.
About NFI
With over 8,900 team members operating from more than 50
facilities across ten countries, NFI is a leading independent
global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass
transportation solutions under brands: New Flyer® (heavy-duty
transit buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck
buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor coaches), ARBOC®
(low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™. NFI
buses and motor coaches incorporate the widest range of drive
systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas,
diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley,
battery, and fuel cell). In total, NFI now supports over 105,000
buses and coaches currently in service around the world. NFI common
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com,
www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com,
www.alexander-dennis.com, and www.nfi.parts.
About Alexander Dennis
Alexander Dennis Limited ("ADL") is a global leader in the
design and manufacture of double deck buses and is also the UK's
largest bus and coach manufacturer. ADL offers single and double
deck vehicles under the brands of Alexander
Dennis and Plaxton and has over 31,000 vehicles in service
in the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, New
Zealand, Mexico,
Canada and the United States.
Further information is available at www.alexander-dennis.com.
SOURCE NFI Group Inc.