Alexander Dennis (ADL) and BYD UK have announced that their electric vehicle partnership has signed a framework agreement with the National Transport Authority of Ireland (NTA) for the delivery of up to 200 BYD ADL Enviro200EV zero-emission battery-electric buses. An initial firm order for 45 buses has already been agreed, with delivery scheduled to commence in 2022.
The single supplier framework agreement with the NTA will run for up to five years and covers the delivery of single-deck long-length battery-electric buses. The order represents the BYD ADL partnership’s first contract in Ireland, as well as the largest order for zero-emission buses in the country to date.
ADL and BYD have tailored the Enviro200EV to the specific needs of the NTA and its operators. This has resulted in a vehicle that will be 12m long and can be specified in several configurations to suit different operational requirements, including a version with two doors, a wheelchair space and a dedicated area for at least one unfolded pram or pushchair.
The first 45 buses are intended for services in Athlone and the Dublin metropolitan area. They will be built in ADL’s factories in the United Kingdom. Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “The contract signed for the supply of these battery electric buses highlights the NTA’s commitment to a sustainable and accessible transport network. Over the next five years we are planning a major increase in the number of low and zero-emission urban buses in operation on the Transport For Ireland (TFI) network across the country. The fleet ordered today represents the best mix of cutting edge electric technology, proven reliability, accessibility and comfort for all passengers who use TFI bus services. I look forward to working with our bus operator partners, as well as ADL, in ensuring that the first of these buses are delivered and ready to operate in 2022.”
Paul Davies, ADL President and Managing Director, added: “This new agreement for up to 200 zero-emission buses is further testament to our customer focus which is exemplified in our ability to tailor vehicle specifications to operational requirements. Together with our existing agreement for up to 600 zero-emission capable Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid buses, we are honoured to be playing a key role in the roll-out of zero emission mobility in Ireland.”
“This agreement with Ireland’s NTA is one of the most significant commitments to e-mobility we have ever seen in Europe,” concluded BYD UK Managing Director, Frank Thorpe, “and it is the BYD ADL partnership that appears increasingly to be the preferred choice for local authorities and public transport operators. This framework agreement is a pledge to bringing about a sustainable future for public transport in Ireland and we are delighted to join the NTA for Ireland on its journey.”
