British based global bus maker Alexander Dennis Limited has unveiled its first zero-emission, three-axle double deck bus for the North American market through a virtual event based at its parent company NFI’s US based Vehicle Innovation Centre.
The ADL Enviro500EV CHARGE is the North American all-electric version of the its best-selling double decker.
ADL says the Enviro500EV CHARGE features several industry firsts including full independent front suspension as well as an integrated electric drive system tailored to the requirements of North American transit agencies.
An electric portal axle with hub motors provides fast and efficient propulsion for the Enviro500EV CHARGE with 2×125kW peak power output. The drive and auxiliary axles have been switched with power supplied at the third axle, ensuring optimum weight distribution and high passenger capacity.
A class-leading 648kWh of energy storage is provided by batteries that are integrated in the chassis and the rear of the vehicle for a low center of gravity and great stability. These are fed through industry standard CCS1 charging points available on the left or the right side of the bus. Gantry charging is an option.
The system includes an electric heat pump to provide both heating and cooling, which minimizes the amount of energy required and increases range capability of the fully air-conditioned Enviro500EV CHARGE. A stylish new dashboard features an economy gauge and halo color to immediately give drivers prominent feedback on how economically they are operating the bus.
The Enviro500EV CHARGE offers reclined seating, overhead reading lights and air vents, USB ports, and Wi-Fi and multimedia capability – but its main feature is the high passenger capacity with up to 82 seats, including 53 on the upper deck. A well-lit staircase with conveniently positioned handrails, wide entrance and wide exit doors, a 1-in-6 mobility ramp, unobstructed isles with sculpted handrails, mobility devices, and fully flat floor through to the rear seating ensure strong accessibility
The Enviro500EV CHARGE forms part of ADL parent company NFI’s range of zero emission buses and coaches and testing is scheduled to start later this year.
Paul Soubry, NFI president and CEO, said the company was excited to have Alexander Dennis join in on producing zero emission bus solutions for North America.
“When acquiring ADL and welcoming the company into NFI Group in May 2019, its strong international growth agenda and double deck platform were extremely interesting to us and today’s launch brings together both of these elements,” said Soubry.
“As NFI Group, we are leading the evolution to zero-emission mobility – Leading the ZEvolution as we like to call it – and Alexander Dennis is a central part of this,” Soubry added.
Paul Davies, president and managing director of ADL said the company’s Enviro family is the world’s best-selling double deck bus of which over 18,000 have been sold around the globe.
“Today we add a milestone as we unveil our first ever battery electric, three-axle, high-capacity double deck bus,” Davies said.
“We are very excited by the positive feedback already received from transit agencies who have trialed this vehicle and look forward to delivering zero-emission service with our double decks across North America,” he added.
