A joint announcement by BYD and ADL has marked a significant milestone for bus manufacturing in the UK
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD UK have jointly announced that the two companies will commence the design and assembly of chassis for the BYD ADL partnership’s electric single and double-deck buses for the British market in ADL’s facilities in the UK.
It is planned that from the second half of 2021, electric bus chassis assembly will take place in ADL’s facilities in the UK, with on-the-ground support from the BYD team. The partners said that this ‘significant step’ has been taken in response to the increasing demand for zero emission vehicles, and will strengthen the manufacturer’s position while underpinning jobs in Britain and developing skills in the growing market for clean vehicle technology.
Since it began in 2015, BYD ADL says the partnership has gone from strength to strength, with over 500 electric buses delivered or on order. Those buses have clocked up a total of over 16 million emission-free miles of service in London as well as numerous towns and cities across the UK. ADL said that over 70% of electric buses introduced in Britain in this period were supplied by the BYD ADL partnership.
Until now, chassis for the BYD ADL Enviro200EV single-deck and BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deck buses were fully built by BYD before being delivered to ADL’s facilities to have their bodywork fitted in the UK.
Frank Thorpe, Managing Director of BYD UK, said: “This news underpins the fantastic relationship we have with ADL in the UK. We have always worked closely to deliver the highest quality products and services, and we are confident that production of complete vehicles here in the UK will bring even greater efficiencies for our customers. More importantly,” he continued, “this commitment from both BYD and ADL is also a reflection of the acceptance of e-mobility from local authorities, bus operators and their passengers. Electrification in our towns and cities is gathering pace, and the BYD ADL partnership is spearheading the drive towards a more sustainable future.”
Paul Davies, President & Managing Director of ADL, commented: “I am delighted that we’re moving our electric bus partnership to this next level and building complete zero emission buses for the UK market in the UK. This ensures that investment in sustainable transport for our towns and cities delivers full economic benefits to communities right across the country.”
