Ireland is about to bump up the number of its electric buses significantly with the new framework deal it’s National Transport Authority just signed with Alexander Dennis Limited and BYD UK. The agreement will produce up to 200 BYD ADL Enviro200EV battery-powered buses.
A first batch of 45 buses will begin delivery in 2022. According to terms of the framework agreement, the partnership between ADL and BYD will supply single-decker long length city buses within five years. ADL is acting as the primary contractor.
The duo emerged the winner of the contract after a rigorous selection process. Apart from being the first contract to be won by ADL in the country, the deal is the largest order for alternative energy buses in the country.
The Enviro200EV buses have been built with local conditions factored in. They are 12 m long and come in several configurations. A version spots two doorways, wheelchair space, pram space, etc. Bus routes in Athlone and the Dublin Metropolitan Area will host the first batch of buses in 2022.
All the buses will be assembled in the United Kingdom, using ADL facilities but BYD’s proprietary technologies and battery. The interior promises to be more passenger-focused than is obtained from other manufacturers.
There is a separate tender in process for 800 electric double decker buses, which NTA announced last year. Companies are bidding to supply the buses which length is capped at 11.5 meters. The winning company will take over the crown of the largest contract for electric buses in the country.
NTA is trying to phase out carbon emitting public buses from its fleet, explained Anne Graham, the organization’s CEO: “The contract signed for the supply of these battery electric buses highlights the NTA’s commitment to a sustainable and accessible transport network. Over the next five years we are planning a major increase in the number of low- and zero-emission urban buses in operation on the Transport For Ireland (TFI) network across the country. The fleet ordered today represents the best mix of cutting edge electric technology, proven reliability, accessibility and comfort for all passengers who use TFI bus services. I look forward to working with our bus operator partners, as well as ADL, in ensuring that the first of these buses are delivered and ready to operate in 2022.”