LARBERT, Scotland, Dec. 10, 2020 /CNW/ - (TSX: NFI) Alexander
Dennis Limited ("ADL"), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. ("NFI"), one
of the world's largest independent global bus manufacturers, today
announced that Ireland's National
Transport Authority ("NTA") has unveiled the first of an initial
batch of 100 Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid buses, and
has ordered a further 180 of these zero-emission capable buses for
delivery in 2021.
The orders form part of a five-year framework agreement for a
total of up to 600 Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER buses that was
first announced in January 2020.
Of the initial 100 vehicles, 74 will be operated by Dublin Bus
in the Irish capital, and a further 26 will be operated by Bus
Éireann in Galway. The first vehicles are expected to enter service
in early 2021, and were presented to stakeholders and press at a
ceremony in Dublin today.
The Enviro400ER is a double deck diesel-electric hybrid, capable
of at least 2.5 kilometres continuous electric range with no
exhaust emissions. It utilises the BAE Systems Series-ER hybrid
system with a 32kWh next-generation lithium-ion battery energy
storage system that can be charged externally via a plug-in
connection, which means that the Enviro400ER is recognised as a
'clean vehicle' by the European Union's Clean Vehicles
Directive.
In addition to its continuous zero tailpipe emissions range
within geofenced areas, the Enviro400ER switches off its diesel
engine at low speeds during approach to and departure from stops
and when stationary.
National Transport Authority CEO, Anne
Graham said: "The NTA is committed to the transition to zero
and low emission public transport vehicles, and with these new ADL
buses, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable
bus fleet. These vehicles will also add some badly-needed extra
capacity to our city fleets in Dublin and Galway and we look forward to them
becoming operational early in the new year."
ADL President & Managing Director, Paul Davies said: "The Alexander Dennis
Enviro400ER is ideally suited for flexible operating needs
including zero-emission running at air pollution hotspots. With the
ability to externally charge the batteries, the use of on-board
power generation can be further reduced. This new generation of
double deck buses for Ireland once
again demonstrates that with ADL's focus on innovation, we are
building the buses our cities need to solve their transport
challenges."
Ian Wilson, Director of Business
Development for Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems,
said: "Clean transportation technology in our cities is critical to
reach a zero emission future. Our system will help Ireland take the next step towards full
electrification and improve the air quality where people live, work
and visit."
About NFI
With 8,000 team members in ten countries, NFI is a leading
global bus manufacturer of mass mobility solutions under the brands
New Flyer® (heavy-duty transit buses), MCI® (motor coaches),
Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton
(motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses),
and NFI Parts™. NFI currently offers the widest range of
sustainable drive systems available, including zero-emission
electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell), natural gas, electric
hybrid, and clean diesel. In total, NFI supports its installed base
of over 105,000 buses and coaches around the world. NFI common
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
NFI. News and information is 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 Alexander Dennis Limited