ALEXANDER DENNIS LAUNCHES ENVIRO500 ELECTRIC

摘要

Through a digital launch event involving Alexander Dennis and parent NFI Group representatives, the tri-axle double-decker Enviro500EV Charge has been unveiled. The bus, expected to be North America-specific and the first electric tri-axle double-decker on sale from Alexander Dennis, maintains a similar profile to the existing diesel Enviro500s. Nine batteries are on board the vehicle, and four of these are integrated in the floor of the lower deck at a sacrifice of 4% headroom. Indeed, the company promised the two usual American height variants of the vehicle, the standard 13ft 6in (4.11m) and SuperLo 13ft (3.96m) would still be offered. Alexander Dennis has claimed several industry firsts are features of the vehicle, including full independent front suspension and an integrated electric drive system 'tailored to the requirements of North American transit operators.' Outside North America, the partnership between Alexander Dennis and BYD continues to produce electric vehicles for the UK, New Zealand and other potential markets. This year the joint venture will progress, with Alexander Dennis incorporating BYD drivelines into chassis assembled in the UK. BYD already offers its own tri-axle electric double-decker in North America. Paul Soubry, NFI President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are excited to have Alexander Dennis join in on producing zero emission bus solutions for North America, as this is the first launch of an Alexander Dennis vehicle at our Vehicle Innovation Centre. "When acquiring Alexander Dennis and welcoming the company into NFI Group in May 2019, its strong international growth agenda and double-deck platform were extremely interesting to us. This launch brings together both of these elements. As NFI Group, we are leading the evolution to zero-emission mobility - leading the ZEvolution as we like to call it - and Alexander Dennis is a central part of this." Unlike the diesel Enviro500, the drive axle on the Enviro500 Charge is the rearmost of the three. This was deemed necessary to balance the weight of the batteries, increase the vehicle's stability and maintain passenger capacity.