The Scottish operator will be the first independent to receive one of Alexander Dennis’ new small buses
Kilwinning-based Shuttle Buses has ordered an Enviro100EV next-generation electric bus following the model’s launch last month, becoming the first independent operator to do so, and following a fleet order from Stagecoach. The purchase has been supported by existing funding from the first phase of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB).
The Ayrshire-based employee-owned operator runs a fleet of 55 coaches and buses, and employs 75 people. It is no stranger to small electric buses; CBW tested one of two similar sized Mellor Sigma 8 electric midibuses which it took delivery of early this year.
The zero-emission Enviro100EV measures 8.5m long and 2.35m wide, and is equipped with 354kWh batteries supplied by Impact Clean Power Technology to an Alexander Dennis design. Power is supplied through the Voith Electrical Drive System, and a claimed maximum range of up to 285 miles is possible on a single charge.
Shuttle Buses Managing Director Ross Granger said: “We were very impressed by the Enviro100EV at the recent launch, particularly as it builds on Alexander Dennis’ experience in designing electric buses and operators’ experience running them. We’re confident that it will meet our need for a small EV with sensible range. We were the first Scottish operator of the classic Enviro200 back in 2006 and we’re delighted to be returning to Alexander Dennis and trailblazing the Enviro100EV.”
Alexander Dennis Retail Sales Director Charlie Miller added: “Shuttle Buses joined us at the recent launch event for our next-generation electric buses and we’re thrilled to now have them on board as the first independent sector customer for the Enviro100EV. This is a huge investment from a forward-thinking business. Our ‘big small bus’ is ideal for many of the routes smaller operators like Shuttle Buses specialise in. They will be fully supported through AD24, benefiting from our ongoing investment in even better aftermarket services.”
