The first delivery of a next generation Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV to Stagecoach in Oxfordshire has taken place, with the vehicles set to enter service this spring
Alexander Dennis has made the first delivery of its next-generation battery-electric buses to a customer in the United Kingdom with the arrival of an Enviro400EV at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire.
The zero-emission double decker is one of 55 that will enter service on Oxford city services in the coming months to enable the full electrification of local routes in the Oxford ‘Smart Zone,’ a joint initiative between Stagecoach and partners Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford Bus Company, supported by UK Government funding.
Stagecoach’s Enviro400EV buses for Oxford are 11.1m long and 4.2m high, and have capacity for 83 passengers, including 69 on high-backed seats with USB-A and USB-C charging ports. In addition, two wheelchair spaces are provided.
While installation of charging infrastructure continues at Stagecoach’s new Network Oxford site, driver training is scheduled to begin shortly ahead of a launch into service later this spring. Chief Operating Officer Sam Greer said: “With a network that spans across the UK, the incorporation of the new Enviro400EV buses into our fleet in Oxfordshire reaffirms our commitment to our customers experience.
“Being the first operator to receive these next-generation buses brings us a step closer to realising our goal of being fully net zero and we will continue to build on our work to tackle climate change and become more energy efficient.”
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, added: “The delivery of our first next-generation electric bus in the United Kingdom is a milestone in the roll-out of our new product range and we’re delighted to be marking this moment with our launch customer Stagecoach. These buses will be driving value through efficiency with class-leading energy consumption as well as through their future-proof battery system which is designed to last a 20-year life of a double-deck bus in provincial operation with just one change of batteries.
“We are grateful for Stagecoach’s trust in us and for its support as we continue to develop our range of next-generation zero-emission vehicles.”
