The BYD ADL electric bus partnership has been selected as preferred bidder by RATP Dev London for an order of 36 10.8m electric buses.
The order is for ADL Enviro200-bodied BYD electric single-deckers. The commercial terms for the supply of the vehicles are currently being negotiated, with delivery expected in Spring 2018.
The new buses will be based at London United’s Shepherd’s Bush garage and be deployed on two high frequency TfL bus routes – the C1 from Victoria to White City and 70 from South Kensington to Chiswick. The two routes are being converted by RATP Dev London to full electric operation following the company’s recent success in winning the tenders.
The 10.8m vehicles are designed for more restrictive route conditions than the 51 12m models already in service on the London bus network. Many London streets feature sharp corners and the smaller vehicle – still capable of accommodating 76 passengers – is more appropriate. The new buses are expected to complete a full day’s duty cycle without the need for recharging.
The new order will bring the number of ADL BYD electric buses in London to over 100.
Tim Jackson, CEO of RATP Dev’s UK operations and Chairman of its London bus operations, said: “Our engineering staff have conducted a thorough evaluation of the electric buses currently available in the UK and are pleased to have selected the BYD ADL product for launching our electric operations in London at this time.
“We look forward to working intensively with BYD ADL over the next few weeks to finalise the terms of this important investment. Our client TfL and our parent RATP are watching this project with great interest and we count on close collaboration with BYD ADL to implement it successfully.”
Isbrand Ho, MD of BYD Europe, said: “This is a real vote of confidence in the strength of the BYD/ADL partnership and of our proven product range. The first fleet we supplied in London has performed well and now Londoners will benefit from more of our zero pollution and cost effective electric buses. We are confident of being able to announce further orders shortly.”
Colin Robertson, CEO of ADL said: “The ADL/BYD partnership goes from strength to strength. British operators value the attractive and proven combination of stylish ADL bodies and advanced BYD electric technology and, of course, the fact that our buses are British built.
“We look forward to making more announcements imminently.”
