Bus Manufacturer News & Discussion

[GusB]

Okay, let's get back to discussing manufacturer news, please.

Thanks

 

[Mikey C]

Stagecoach Bluebird have already had to completely replace the motors on quite a number of their Enviro400EVs a number of which were under 6 months old at the time. Albeit this is also likely in part down to the types of routes they use them on...

The Enviro400EVs are limited to 42mph to prevent "over speeding", however on long downhill sections of road due to their weight they're able to get significantly above this speed. One place of note is Tyrebagger on the A96 where on the downhill sections its quite common for them up to 60MPH, so it perhaps isn't a surprise that the motors are failing quite frequently. The most recent example being 84068 which has been off since the 14th of October after it failed on the A96 near Thainstone.

Those are the BYD version though, which will effectively be replaced by presumably a much better "in house" E400EV.

 

[Bornin1980s]

Those are the BYD version though, which will effectively be replaced by presumably a much better "in house" E400EV.

Are there not any long downhill highway runs in China?

 

[Jordan Adam]

Those are the BYD version though, which will effectively be replaced by presumably a much better "in house" E400EV.

Indeed? The discussion had been regarding the existing BYD/ADL EVs.

 

[Goldfish62]

Indeed? The discussion had been regarding the existing BYD/ADL EVs.

And the BYD chassis will still be offered by ADL as an alternative, just as it offered Scania as an alternative to its diesel E400.

 

[MasterSpenny]

Looks like the first Enviro400EV integral has left the factory - teaser linked below:

9.6K views · 266 reactions | ⚡ Not long now... #LeadingtheZEvolution | Alexander Dennis

⚡ Not long now... #LeadingtheZEvolution

www.facebook.com

Apparently it visited RATP's Fulwell garage today (see Tangytango Proboards).

The full type has been revealed (all previews have been art of what it would look like)

https://x.com/adlbus/status/1718929139254841467?s=46&t=NwCcaynuPR-k7xjMa0OtGQ

From the earliest design sketches through engineering, procurement and production to this week... launch week! What a journey – and we're only getting started.

None of this would've been possible without the amazing people on Team Alexander Dennis!

#LeadingtheZEvolution

 

[Blindtraveler]

They've certainly got the marketing for this well thought through

 

[PG]

The full type has been revealed (all previews have been art of what it would look like)

https://x.com/adlbus/status/1718929139254841467?s=46&t=NwCcaynuPR-k7xjMa0OtGQ

To my eyes the demonstrators look to be 12m length buses. Would that be correct?

 

[Goldfish62]

To my eyes the demonstrators look to be 12m length buses. Would that be correct?

11.1m with the same wheelbase, 5.9m, as the 10.9m BYD E400EV.

 

[EMU303]

Alexander Dennis unveils next-generation electric buses offering more choice, more flexibility and more value with industry-leading energy throughput and warranties | Alexander Dennis

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today launched its next generation of battery-electric buses for the UK and Ireland with the unveiling of the new Enviro100EV small bus and Enviro400EV double decker. They provide a...

www.alexander-dennis.com

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today launched its next generation of battery-electric buses for the UK and Ireland with the unveiling of the new Enviro100EV small bus and Enviro400EV double decker. They provide a step change in performance and are part of a wider family of next-generation zero-emission buses.

The new buses have been engineered fully in house as zero-emission vehicles from the ground up. They introduce a stunning new design language that emphasises their zero-emission credentials and allows local authorities and bus operators to make a landmark statement of their investment in a cleaner fleet.

Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV (4)
High-Res Image
Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV (1)
High-Res Image
The 11.1m-length Enviro400EV double decker is designed to shift the crowds on busy urban and interurban routes, advancing electrification options for core services across the UK and Ireland with a range of up to 260 miles.

The Enviro100EV is a highly manoeuvrable small bus just 8.5m long and 2.35m wide, while feeling like a larger vehicle and covering up to class-leading 285 miles on a single charge.

 

[MasterSpenny]

Alexander Dennis unveils next-generation electric buses offering more choice, more flexibility and more value with industry-leading energy throughput and warranties | Alexander Dennis

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today launched its next generation of battery-electric buses for the UK and Ireland with the unveiling of the new Enviro100EV small bus and Enviro400EV double decker. They provide a...

www.alexander-dennis.com

So thats what the Enviro 100 EV looks like physically! Can’t wait to see it go on trial somewhere in the country

 

[VioletEclipse]

So thats what the Enviro 100 EV looks like physically! Can’t wait to see it go on trial somewhere in the country

the original Enviro 200 was the short version, with the Enviro 300 being the longer version, and now it's got to the 200 being the longer, and the 100 being the shorter version. Unless they make a 300EV, but I doubt that.

 

[Mikey C]

I like the low floor interior, especially in the E400EV, which is virtually the same as in the regular E400s. Interesting that the E100EV chassis and body frame will be made in Zhuhai, presumably to keep costs down.

the original Enviro 200 was the short version, with the Enviro 300 being the longer version, and now it's got to the 200 being the longer, and the 100 being the shorter version. Unless they make a 300EV, but I doubt that.

The E100EV is smaller than the majority of E200s or even Dart SLFs, leaving the BYD E200EV as their "mainstream" single decker for a couple years yet...

 

[Goldfish62]

The E100EV is smaller than the majority of E200s or even Dart SLFs, leaving the BYD E200EV as their "mainstream" single decker for a couple years yet...

Yes, the E100EV is firmly in the category of the smallest E200 diesel for which there is no BYD equivalent. Operators wanting that size currently have no option but to go to Optare.

I note that ADL will be launching an E200EV in 2025.

 

[ChrisPJ]

the original Enviro 200 was the short version, with the Enviro 300 being the longer version, and now it's got to the 200 being the longer, and the 100 being the shorter version. Unless they make a 300EV, but I doubt that.

The 300 came first.

 

[Snow1964]

the original Enviro 200 was the short version, with the Enviro 300 being the longer version, and now it's got to the 200 being the longer, and the 100 being the shorter version. Unless they make a 300EV, but I doubt that.

There is also the width, the 100EV is a slim bus at only 2.35m wide. Clearly designed for rural work or in towns and cities with narrow or medieval streets

According to ADL spec sheets on their website the BYD E200EV is available in 5 lengths, longest is 12.0m so looks to have taken over from old E300

 

[Goldfish62]

There is also the width, the 100EV is a slim bus at only 2.35m wide. Clearly designed for rural work or in towns and cities with narrow or medieval streets

According to ADL spec sheets on their website the BYD E200EV is available in 5 lengths, longest is 12.0m so looks to have taken over from old E300

The first London BYD E200EVs delivered seven years ago were 12m.

The BYD chassis is heavyweight anyway so no need for an "E300" version.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

The first London BYD E200EVs delivered seven years ago were 12m.

The BYD chassis is heavyweight anyway so no need for an "E300" version.

The BYD chassis of the 200EV may be heavyweight but its theoretical range certainly isn’t comparing it to the “upto” 260miles ADL had quoted for there latest 400EV, let alone other single decker EVs.

 

[Goldfish62]

The BYD chassis of the 200EV may be heavyweight but its theoretical range certainly isn’t comparing it to the “upto” 260miles ADL had quoted for there latest 400EV, let alone other single decker EVs.

The weight of a chassis has never correlated with its range between fueling so I'm not sure what your point is.

My point, if it wasn't clear before, is that there would never be a BYD version of the medium weight E300 because the BYD chassis is already heavyweight and available with ADL bodywork in lengths between 9.8 and 12m.

Your comparison is with with a completely different bus.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

The weight of a chassis has never correlated with its range between fueling so I'm not sure what your point is.

My point, if it wasn't clear before, is that there would never be a BYD version of the medium weight E300 because the BYD chassis is already heavyweight and available with ADL bodywork in lengths between 9.8 and 12m.

Your comparison is with with a completely different bus.

You're right; I wasn’t clear on what I was trying to get across. I understand that a heavier bus doesn’t guarantee better range.

Let me put it this way. The 200BYD isn’t a competitive product, irregardless of its weight; its electrical range isn’t great compared to the competition within the same GVW category of 19.5t.

Volvo for example have already gestured that the BZL chassis bodied by MCV can be produced up to 13m, ultimately providing a larger vehicle, most likely with better electrical range given that it can be fitted with a significantly larger battery than the BYD chassis of the 200EV.

I was merely using ADLs latest 400EV as another heavyweight vehicle with significantly better range for comparison purposes, even when fitted with its smallest battery pack it beats its smaller sibling for range.

 

[Mikey C]

The E200BYD is a bit a of a weak link for ADL at the moment. I'm surprised BYD haven't updated the batteries to keep it competitive.

 

[Man of Kent]

The E200BYD is a bit a of a weak link for ADL at the moment. I'm surprised BYD haven't updated the batteries to keep it competitive.

BYD did reveal new batteries at Busworld Brussels, for their new double deck (DD13) and European city bus (B12) models, claiming a range of 600km. It is possible that chassis for the UK may benefit from this technology at some point.

 

[Goldfish62]

Let me put it this way. The 200BYD isn’t a competitive product, irregardless of its weight; its electrical range isn’t great compared to the competition within the same GVW category of 19.5t.

Agreed. And it's now showing in London for example where only GoAhead are still ordering BYDs.

The global market for BYD is huge, with tens of thousands of BYD electrics being supplied globally, with the UK market being comparatively small fry. But whether they decide they can afford to sacrifice the UK market remains to be seen, especially in the face of increasing competition elsewhere for EVs.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2023 ==

I was merely using ADLs latest 400EV as another heavyweight vehicle with significantly better range for comparison purposes, even when fitted with its smallest battery pack it beats its smaller sibling for range.

What's also impressive are the claims by AD that both new models should achieve a full 14-year London life cycle without a battery change and a 20 year life with just one battery change. If true this potentially changes the economics of battery EVs with whole life costs being clearly cheaper than diesel.

 

[GusB]

Another manufacturer is looking for a slice of the UK pie. It'll be interesting to see how these demonstrators fare, and whether or not they'll pick up any orders.

Australian-built electric bus heading to UK

www.passengertransport.co.uk

Australian bus builder Custom Denning is targeting the UK market, and a demonstration electric bus is currently being shipped to the UK.

Custom Denning, one of Australia’s oldest bus builders, is now owned by Scott Dunn, who began his career in the UK bus industry before moving to Australia in 2014. The company has designed and built a full-size, fully-electric single deck bus, which it plans to export to the UK.

The vehicle was on display at last month’s Australian British Infrastructure Catalyst, which took place in Australia. There Dunn spoke with Leon Daniels, the former boss of surface transport for Transport for London, for the Lunch with Leon podcast, which is produced in association with Passenger Transport.

Built in Western Sydney, Dunn said the 12-metre bus was fully stainless steel with European components and the build quality of an Australian product, where vehicles must be built for a 25-year minimum life.

Custom Denning already competes with Chinese imports, BYD and Yutong, so Dunn is confident that it can compete with Chinese products into the UK. One demonstrator vehicle is already en route to the UK, and is due to arrive in mid-January. Three more will arrive in mid-February.

 

[Leyland Bus]

Another manufacturer is looking for a slice of the UK pie. It'll be interesting to see how these demonstrators fare, and whether or not they'll pick up any orders.

Australian-built electric bus heading to UK

www.passengertransport.co.uk

Expect Rotala to be all over these, given Scott Dunn is in charge...

 

[GusB]

Expect Rotala to be all over these, given Scott Dunn is in charge...

It's funny how things go around. I'd never heard of the Denning part of Custom Denning until I looked it up online - it turns out that it has its roots in Leyland.

 

[507021]

Expect Rotala to be all over these, given Scott Dunn is in charge...

Three are on order for Diamond South East, according to this post on WM Bus Photos.

Rotala have on order 3 x Custom Denning 10.2m single decker electric buses from Australia, they have been ordered for the Bedfont Lakes contract & will be allocated to Stanwell Depot. They should be 24 seaters & will be numbered 39001-3 (due Feb 2024 onwards)

 

[Simon75]

Another manufacturer is looking for a slice of the UK pie. It'll be interesting to see how these demonstrators fare, and whether or not they'll pick up any orders.

Australian-built electric bus heading to UK

www.passengertransport.co.uk

Are these the first ever Australian made buses/coaches in the UK?

 

[KGGXXXY]

Are these the first ever Australian made buses/coaches in the UK?

Ensign have some Australian buses https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/ensign-receive-10-8m-bcis/

Ensign receive 10.8m BCIs​

Posted by jd on Wed 5th April 2017 - 08:33AM

Ensignbus has taken delivery of the first 10.8m BCI double deckers to enter the UK. They are, at the time of writing, waiting to be certified. It has received ten for its own operations, one for an existing order and another demonstrator. The operator/dealer is the supplier of these Australian buses. According to Ensignbus Operations Director, Ross Newman, orders for the longer tri-axle version are doing well, with ten on order currently. ‘We’re very pleased with it,’ Ross said.

 

[Mikey C]

Hard to see an Australian built bus being financially competitive in the UK market against locally made buses, or ones made in cheaper labour countries? The strength of the Aussie dollar helped kill their car industry for example.