The first batch from a total fleet of 37 new zero-emission, fully electric BYD ADL Enviro400EV double deck buses have been delivered to London bus operator, Metroline.
The first five vehicles entered service on Metroline’s route 43 as part of the bus operator’s contract with Transport for London (“TfL”), operating out of Metroline’s Holloway Bus Garage.
Route 43 runs from Friern Barnet to London Bridge, a total distance of nine miles.
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| BDE 2614 at Archway Station |
Adrian Jones, Engineering Director at Metroline, said, “The launch of the new electric buses on route 43 is a triumph for both Metroline and for London. Providing a new challenge for Metroline’s engineering teams, we worked closely with engineers at ADL and BYD to develop these new buses. As a result, they are perfectly designed to deliver Londoners to their destinations, whilst helping to keep London’s air cleaner with zero-emissions.”
The new Enviro400EV possesses the same DNA as its proven Enviro200EV stablemate, albeit with a new chassis and lightweight aluminium double deck bodywork measuring 10.9m in length, 4.3m high and 2.55m wide.
Power is delivered via BYD’s fully electric drivetrain technology featuring high capacity 382 kWh BYD Iron-Phosphate batteries providing an impressive 160 mile range.
The new double deck layout specifically for the Metroline order boasts a lower saloon capacity of 24 forward-facing seats and 43 forward-facing seats in the upper saloon – 67 seats in total.
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| BDE 2624 at Muswell Hill Broadway (rear view) |
The new double deck layout specifically for the Metroline order boasts a lower saloon capacity of 24 forward-facing seats and 43 forward-facing seats in the upper saloon – 67 seats in total.
A modern exterior retains the traditional design cues of London’s iconic red double deck buses with thoroughly modern bodywork designed and manufactured by ADL. ‘City’ styling features includes a striking glazed staircase providing aesthetic appeal for passengers, other road users and pedestrians.
Further specification is to TfL’s standards including a long wheelchair bay and automatic wheelchair ramp at the rear doors.
BDE 2624 at Muswell Hill Broadway. BDE 2624 has the staircase panelled over, to facilitate the use of T-shaped adverts. This will be applied to some but not all of this batch of vehicles. Apparently ADL will offer the unglazed staircase as an option on the City bodywork going forward.
ADL Chief Executive, Colin Robertson, commented: “Since it began in 2015, the collaboration with BYD has gone from strength to strength – our best-selling Enviro200EV single deck buses hit a landmark 2 million miles of zero emissions service earlier this year and we are delighted to see the relationship evolve with the first pure electric double decks now on the streets of London.
BDE 2624 at Muswell Hill Broadway. BDE 2624 has the staircase panelled over, to facilitate the use of T-shaped adverts. This will be applied to some but not all of this batch of vehicles. Apparently ADL will offer the unglazed staircase as an option on the City bodywork going forward. ADL Chief Executive, Colin Robertson, commented: “Since it began in 2015, the collaboration with BYD has gone from strength to strength – our best-selling Enviro200EV single deck buses hit a landmark 2 million miles of zero emissions service earlier this year and we are delighted to see the relationship evolve with the first pure electric double decks now on the streets of London.
We’re confident the Enviro400EV can emulate the success of its single deck equivalent, delivering cleaner air, less noise pollution and extreme passenger comfort for all.”
“We are thrilled to be able to present the first BYD ADL double deck bus for London at the start of what we believe will be a continuation of our highly successful partnership with Metroline and TfL,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho.
The new Enviro400EV is built in Britain at ADL’s facility in Scarborough, Yorkshire, using BYD components assembled into a powered chassis built in Europe at BYD’s plant in Komarom, Hungary.
“We are thrilled to be able to present the first BYD ADL double deck bus for London at the start of what we believe will be a continuation of our highly successful partnership with Metroline and TfL,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho.
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| BDE 2617 at Archway Station - this holds the honour of being the first one to enter service |
The new Enviro400EV is built in Britain at ADL’s facility in Scarborough, Yorkshire, using BYD components assembled into a powered chassis built in Europe at BYD’s plant in Komarom, Hungary.
Photo Request
If anyone has pictures of the new vehicles please send them to focustransport2011@gmail.com and we will add them to this posting with relevant credit to whoever sends them.
Thanks to Julian Walker who has already responded to our request and sent the above pictures
