One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of plug-in buses has delivered 12 of its cutting edge electric models for the cross-city line.
Linking West Croydon and Russell Square, the SL6 route will now be operated by Arriva. Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV buses will be used. Transport for London’s 196 service will also soon transition to 18 of the same buses.
The vehicles utilise a heavy-duty version of the Voith Electrical Drive System, with energy stored inside 472kWh batteries. Enhanced energy management is also used, and the HVAC system used for heating and cooling is certified as zero emissions and produced by Grayson Thermal Systems.
Under testing by Zemo, an electric bus and coach specialist, the Alexander Dennis models delivered ‘class-leading’ power consumption of 0.67kWh/km over the UK Bus Cycle and 97% grid-to-wheel efficiency.
This delivery of our first TfL-specification Enviro400EV is a milestone in the roll-out of our next generation of electric buses and brings a new bus for London to the streets of the capital.
‘Initial operation has been trouble-free and monitoring through our comprehensive AD Connect telematics shows that the buses are performing as expected, with real-world efficiency in line with the route analysis calculations we made earlier,’ said Neil Gladstone, Alexander Dennis National Account Manager. ‘This gives us great confidence that these next-generation Enviro400EV will enjoy long operating lives underpinned by their 14-year, one million km warranty.’
‘We’re delighted to have placed this exciting order with the team at Alexander Dennis and to be the first operator to bring these state-of-the-art buses to London,’ added Marcos Hart, Managing Director for London area at Arriva UK Bus. ‘This latest milestone builds on the millions of pounds we have already invested in creating the clean, electrified and high performing fleet that our customers deserve – helping to encourage even more people to travel sustainably on public transport.’
Image: Kristian Lake
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