Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today confirmed Stagecoach as the launch customer for its recently-launched Enviro100EV small zero-emission bus. The purchase has been supported by the Scottish Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB).
The Enviro100EV was unveiled earlier this month as part of the manufacturer’s next generation of battery-electric buses. Highly manoeuvrable at just 8.5m length and 2.35m width, the Enviro100EV seats up to 25 passengers in the same comfort and style as larger buses with a bright and spacious interior and generous 2+2 seating.
Powered by the Voith Electrical Drive System, the energy stored in its 354kWh batteries gives it a class-leading range of up to 285 miles, making it a versatile performer even on longer, rural routes.
The battery system was developed for Alexander Dennis by its partner Impact Clean Power Technology. Particular attention has been paid to making it future-proof by allowing easy battery replacement with newer batteries in later life without a need for vehicle modifications.
Stagecoach placed its order for 20 Enviro100EV ahead of the type’s launch and production is now under way with deliveries expected in the first half of 2024. The purchase has been supported by the Scottish Government’s ScotZEB challenge fund and the vehicles are expected to be allocated to operating companies in Scotland.
“We are sure they will establish themselves as a long-serving staple of the Stagecoach fleet”
Sam Greer, Chief Operating Officer for Stagecoach, said: “Acquiring the new Enviro100EV reaffirms our commitment to our customers experience while also bringing us a step closer to realising our goal of being fully Net Zero by 2050. As a part of the fabric of daily life in the UK, we will continue to build on our work to tackle climate change and become more energy efficient. Having been involved with these battery-electric buses from the concept phase, we are sure they will establish themselves as a long-serving staple of the Stagecoach fleet.”
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to have Stagecoach on board as the launch customer for our Enviro100EV ‘big small bus’. We really valued their input as we worked closely with them through the concept phase. These next-generation electric buses will be versatile assets for Stagecoach, their expansive range and diminutive road footprint making them equally suited to narrow town streets as winding country lanes.
“Our engineers have pulled out the Top Trump card once again”
“It’s a significant technical challenge packaging 354kWh of battery capacity and up to 285 miles of range into such a small vehicle but our engineers have pulled out the Top Trump card once again. The Enviro100EV is best-in-class by some distance and with its future-proof battery system and the next generation of aftermarket support from AD24, this new fleet of small buses is destined to enjoy long, productive working lives in the Stagecoach fleet.”
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of Alexander Dennis and NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase buses and to purchase parts or services; customers may not exercise options to purchase additional buses; the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience; production may be delayed or production rates may be decreased as a result of the pandemic or ongoing and future supply chain disruptions and shortages of parts and components, shipping and freight delays, and disruption to labor supply; risks related to reliance on third-party manufacturers of Alexander Dennis’ products; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.
Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.