Bus and Coach Professional - March 2021 by greenbusandcoach

March 2021

Issue 424

driving towards a greener future

Glasgow COP26 drives ebus orders at First and McGill’s

inside this issue 12

Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd

Editorial

First Glasgow to introduce £9m fleet of 22 new electric vehicles before COP26.

Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com

Contact address: Bus and Coach Professional Plum Publishing Ltd, Unit 4 Marshbrook Business Park Church Stretton SY6 6QE Telephone: 01694 731510 www.busandcoach.com

Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in Bus and Coach Professional but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

13 Arrival and First Bus confirm zero emission bus trials for autumn 202

Views and opinions of contributors to Bus and Coach Professional are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions.

17 Daimler and Volvo agree commercial vehicle fuel-cell joint venture.

March 2021

Issue 424

driving towards a greener future

Glasgow COP26 drives ebus orders at First and McGill’s

20 McGill’s places electric bus orders with ADL and Yutong.

March 2021

news

New short-wheelbase Enviro400EV

ALEXANDER Dennis and BYD UK are introducing a shorter version of the Enviro400EV doubledeck bus. More than 450 of the standard 10.8m version have been sold to operators in London and other UK cities and operators will now have the option of a new 10.3m long version. This new length has a wheelbase that has been shortened by 50cm to 5.4m, which benefits manoeuvrability in challenging inner-city routes, such as in London. BYD’s R&D team based in the

UK has developed the new 10.3m chassis, working in collaboration with ADL’s body engineers, to ensure that the battery placement gives optimum weight distribution, while ample power remains available to deliver a full day’s operation. A demonstrator will be available from the second half of 2021. “As bus companies across the United Kingdom make the switch to electric buses with support from national and local government, the BYD ADL partnership is preparing to ‘Build it in Britain’

with complete assembly of electric buses in our facilities here in the country, where it will benefit our local communities, develop skills and secure jobs here in the UK,” says Paul Davies, ADL president & managing director. “The new, short-wheelbase option for our electric doubledecker further ensures operators can rely on us to deliver the buses they need, tailored to their requirements and backed up with best-in-class aftermarket support.” www.alexander-dennis.com www.bydeurope.com

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news

Stagecoach’s Rob Jones newly-elected chair at Transport Benevolent Fund

ROB Jones, managing director Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, has been appointed chair of the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO following the annual election for serving members of the board of trustees. Jones has been a serving trustee for the past ten years and succeeds the outgoing chair Chris Sullivan, currently with FirstBus, Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire, who retired from the post in early February 2021. Jones says: “I am extremely honoured to be asked to take on the role of chair for the fund, and I thank my fellow trustees for their confidence in my ability to take up the position. March 2021

“My fellow board members and I thank Chris Sullivan for his contribution during his time at the helm. He has been a great ambassador for the fund’s work and I am looking forward to continuing working together in our role reversals. “Of course, the past 12 months have been particularly challenging for everyone, but TBF has been operational throughout and continues to offer support to those members who find themselves in need. “The fund continues to evolve and we have some exciting times ahead with the increase in the value of benefits available; streamlining of the claims process; and

the introduction of a membership portal, making access to personal records so much easier for members.” Sullivan adds: “It has been a pleasure to serve as chair of the board of trustees and I am extremely proud of the fund’s work, but after more than 10 years in the post I feel that it’s time to step aside and allow new blood with fresh ideas to lead the way. I will continue to serve as a board trustee and offer my full support to Rob in his new position.” During the election process, Ian Wilson, Network Rail asset engineer (structures), was re-elected as vice-chair of the fund. www.tbf.org.uk

news

Volvo Buses and VFS launch new flexible financing solutions

VOLVO Buses, together with Volvo Financial Services, is providing new financial options designed to lower the barrier for restarting bus and coach operations in the wake of the pandemic. The new Flexilease includes a variety of lease and rental solutions, combining lower initial investment, shorter commitment periods, buy-out options and possibilities to change over time. “The Covid-19 situation has struck hard on the bus and coach business, and from Volvo Buses and VFS side we are eager to do everything we can to stand by our customers so they will be able to recover their business as soon as

possible,” says Niklas Orre, vice president, coach sales at Volvo Buses. “A new possibility is short-term rental. To rent a new, or used, bus or coach for as little as three months could be the way to seize a limited but important business opportunity. “If things go well, the rental can be extended to up to a year, still with a buy-out option. “The new financial offer is about reducing risk but also about swift and immediate response to upcoming business opportunities.” Another new offer is a seasonsensitive lease with a f lexible payment schedule adapted to pas-

senger volumes. There are also leases with a pay-per-kilometre charge, which ensures flexibility in costs when demand is uncertain, and a cash f low-friendly delayed payment solution, where amortisations start after three months, and Volvo covers the three months interest. “In these uncertain times we must find new ways to support our customers. “I am convinced that smarter financing can be of help,” adds Orre. “From our perspective we see this as developing and increasing our business offer, adding more alternatives to choose from.” www.volvobuses.com

March 2021

Here when you need us... TBF continues to offer help and support to its members during these unprecedented times. Helping to make a difference. Just £1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent children. Email help@tbf.org.uk to find out how we can help you, or visit www.tbf.org.uk Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.

news

Work begins on first Sprint bus priority route in Birmingham

CONSTRUCTION work is underway on the new Sprint bus route designed to deliver improved journey times and more reliable services linking Walsall, Birmingham and Solihull. The Sprint bus corridor along the A45 and A34 will feature new and extended bus lanes and give buses priority at junctions to beat traffic jams, leading to quicker and more dependable journey times, and giving bus passengers a better travel experience that allows them to spend less time commuting each day. Construction work has now started on Small Heath Highway in Birmingham, with work in Walsall, Sandwell and Solihull due to start later in the year.

As well as supporting local construction jobs as the region recovers from the pandemic the improved bus services will play a part in achieving the #WM2041 ambition to reduce the region’s carbon footprint, according to Transport for West Midlands. Over 95 enhanced bus shelters will be introduced along the route, offering easy access to vehicles, reducing the time the bus needs to spend at a stop and allowing for more reliable onward travel to key destinations. Sprint, Birmingham’s first uninterrupted cross-city bus priority route, will be built in stages, with phase 1 due to be ready in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. It will link key ven-

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March 2021

news

Maynes looks forward with orders for two Neoplan Tourliners MAYNES is returning to Neoplan for its 2021 fleet intake and has placed an order with MAN Truck & Bus UK for two new Neoplan Tourliners. The order comprises a 12.1m 51-seat touring coach and a new P22 13.9m, 61-seat coach to be delivered in early March. Maynes has experience of the Neoplan product in its fleet since 1998 and has operated Tourliner coaches since 2009. “We have previously had the latest model Neoplan with us on demo, our company was very impressed with the overall finish of the new version,” says Kevin Mayne. “We continue to have all our Neoplan and MAN warranty work done by Elgin Truck and Van who look after us well and have a long standing relationship with

the team at ETV and MAN UK. “Due to Covid-19, we placed our 2020 full-size fleet renewal plans on hold. With a light now glowing for an upturn in the near future, we have made a commitment to continue to deliver our clients the

best possible service and vehicles in the industry.” Both 51 seat coaches will be fitted with the MAN D2676 430bhp Euro 6d engine with ZF Ecolife automatic gearbox. www.maynes.co.uk

New Noise Consultation Mobile App launched by Ventac VENTAC has launched a Noise Consultation Mobile App for iPhone. The app named ‘Ventac’, will provide customers with responsive remote access to its team of experienced acoustic experts. Ventac says this will help its customers to maintain performance on their vehicle development projects. The app will enable customers to make high quality acoustic measurements of their vehicles using the accuracy of a Class II, externally-connected microphone. The noise measurement will be shared directly with the Ventac technical team for expert level analysis, which will feed back to the customer on appropriate next steps. March 2021

“Ventac will make your vehicle the quietest it can be because of our unrivalled acoustic expertise and dedication to our customers’ needs,” says Darren Fortune, Ventac managing director. The service can be used to deliver an early understanding of problem noises, to receive status reports on vehicle noise throughout the development cycle, and to help diagnose remote in-service field concerns. Ventac has been in business since 1972, working with international clients to provide high performance acoustic solutions across the vehicle and industrial noise control sectors. It offers a complete noise control solution from analy-

sis to manufacture and supply, and solutions are co-engineered with clients to reduce noise across a large range of vehicle applications. Ventac has more than 400 materials and components verified and tested within its innovation & acoustic laboratories and has worked on a diverse range of demanding vehicle applications. Its solutions have supported customers in addressing regulatory and industry changes, and increased their competitive drive and significantly increased vehicle comfort levels through the implementation of noise control solutions. +353 (0)45 851500 info@ventac.com

news

KMB’s Enviro500 double-deck fleet to top 2,500 with latest order HONG Kong’s largest bus operator The Kowloon Motor Bus Company has ordered 56 Enviro500 three-axle double deck buses from Alexander Dennis, to be delivered in the second half of 2021. KMB is the largest franchised bus operator in Hong Kong with a fleet of around 4,000 buses operating on over 400 routes. KMB’s new Enviro500, 12.8m long, Euro 6 buses will be able to carry up to 143 passengers, with all 98 seats fitted with three-point safety belts. This new order continues a longstanding relationship between Alexander Dennis and KMB, who have now ordered more than 2,500 Enviro500 buses from Alexander Dennis since the current generation model was launched in 2012.

“We are very honoured that KMB continues to place its confidence in Alexander Dennis with this latest order for 56 double-deck buses,” says Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis president & managing director. “KMB continually chal-

lenges us to raise the bar and these latest 12.8m Enviro500 buses are testament to their commitment to world class passenger services.” www.alexander-dennis.com www.kmb.hk

March 2021

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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

First Glasgow to introduce £9m fleet of 22 new electric vehicles before COP26

FIRST Glasgow is to take 22 new fully electric buses for the Glasgow city bus network ahead of the UN’s COP26 conference which will be held there in November. Built at ADL in Falkirk, the new Enviro200EVs will be 11.6m long and seat up to 40 passengers each, and will be based at the state-of-the-art Caledonia depot in the city. First Bus says it is focused on becoming a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future and has announced a commitment to operating a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035 as well as pledging not to purchase any new diesel buses after December 2022. The order follows an earlier project which saw a pair of BYD ADL Enviro200EVs introduced at the start of 2020, giving the company experience in the operation of electric buses. The 22 new electric vehicles as well as the relevant infrastruc-

ture will be completed at the First Glasgow Caledonia depot and in place ready to go on the Glasgow network in plenty of time for the city hosting COP26. First Glasgow is investing more than £5million alongside an award for £4million as part of Transport Scotland’s Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. Scottish Power Energy Networks will also be providing more than £300,000 in contributions to the project from their Green Economy Fund, which will go toward the electrical infrastructure needed to charge the vehicles at First Glasgow’s Caledonia Depot. Andrew Jar v is, Managing Director for First Glasgow, says: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding to help close the gap in price between a diesel and an electric bus. Cleaner air and lower carbon emissions are vitally important to all of us in society and we are determined to play our part in the communities that we serve.

“This is another step on our journey to operating a fully zero carbon emission f leet by 2035 and we are already leading the way with the first commerciallyoperated electric buses in Glasgow as well as the world’s first double-decker hydrogen buses on the road at our sister company in Aberdeen.” Paul Davies, ADL president & managing director, adds: “COP26 will be a showcase of Britain’s commitment to fighting climate change, and First’s new electric buses will be a testament to the initiative taken by the transport group to achieve a zero-emission fleet by 2035. “Assembled in Scotland, these electric buses for Glasgow keep Scottish Government investment in the country to maximise the benefit to our communities, underpinning jobs and skills in clean vehicle technology.” www.firstbus.co.uk www.alexander-dennis.com www.byd.com

March 2021

green Arrival and First Bus confirm zero emission bus trials for autumn 2021

ARRIVAL will begin trials of its zero emission bus with First Bus this autumn. Arrival unveiled its electric bus last June, promising reduced operating costs, making the transition to electric vehicles more economically viable. The single-deck Arrival Bus has a single front door with a passenger seating capacity of 36. It has up to 310.8kWh of energy storage capacity with the option of both AC and DC charging. The bus has common suspension front and rear and common wheels and tyres, which Arrival says means the vehicle could be up to 40 per cent lighter than other battery-electric buses on the market today.

Janette Bell, managing director, First Bus, says: “As leaders in sustainable mobility, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Arrival, helping us bring some of the most innovative zero emission vehicles on the market onto the UK’s streets for our customers and partners. “We’re proud to be the first operator in the UK to trial Arrival’s electric buses and look forward to working together to accelerate the transition to zero emissions in our sector. “Their ground-breaking technology is also expected to allow for improved customer service, and we’re looking forward to seeing how customers react to the new

buses when they’re trialled later this year.” Avinash Rugoobur, Arrival president, adds: “Today is an important day in the transition to a more sustainable, user focused transportation ecosystem and we are thrilled to be partnering with First Bus on this trial and for people to experience the Arrival Bus on public roads. “Cities around the world are pledging their commitment to a zero-emission transportation future and Arrival is providing them with the ideal product to help them achieve that in the Arrival Bus.” www.arrival.com www.firstgroup.com

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green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

ADL’s H2.0 hydrogen bus to offer range of up to 300 miles A LE X A NDER Dennis says that its next generation doubledeck hydrogen bus will deliver a zero-emission range of up to 300 miles. It will be powered by a Ballard fuel cell power module through a Voith Electrical Drive System. Designed and built in Britain, ADL’s second-generation hydrogen double-decker, which is being developed under the project name H2.0, is expected to be on the road before the end of the year. The Voith Electrical Drive System boosts energy regeneration during the braking phase and delivers increased efficiency that is further enhanced by advanced thermal management which uses excess heat from the fuel cells and driveline to heat the saloon,

minimising additional power requirement. “H2.0 is going to be a milestone for zero emission technology with unrivalled efficiency that gives a class-leading range, perfect for

high mileage routes that battery technology doesn’t cover,” says ADL president & managing director Paul Davies.

www.alexander-dennis.com

Spanish trial of Caetano H2.CityGold ALSA is testing a Caetano hydrogen-powered bus in Spain for the first time. The Caetano H2.CityGold will operate in Spain on an urban route in Madrid. “We are very happy to see that more and more cities and transport operators are seeing the advantages of hydrogen as a clean energy source for sustainable mobility solutions,” says Kohei Umeno, chief commercial officer, CaetanoBus. “It is an honour for Caetano to have the H2.CityGold bus as the first hydrogen-powered bus to be tested by Alsa.” Alsa will trial the vehicle for

two weeks on the bus corridor from Henares in Madrid. Madrid joins other major European capitals, including London,

Paris and Dublin, which are also testing Caetano hydrogen-powered buses.

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March 2021

green Daimler and Volvo agree commercial vehicle fuel-cell joint venture DAIMLER Truck AG and the Volvo Group have established a fuel-cell joint venture with Volvo Group acquiring 50 percent of the partnership interests in the existing Daimler Truck Fuel Cell for approximately €0.6billion. The partners’ ambition is to make the new joint venture a leading global manufacturer of fuel-cells, and thus help the world take a major step towards climate-neutral and sustainable transportation by 2050. Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group have agreed to rename the company cellcentric GmbH & Co. KG. The joint venture will develop, produce and commercialise fuelcell systems for use in heavy-duty trucks as the primary focus, as

well as other applications. A key goal of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group is to start customer tests of trucks with fuel-cells in about three years and to commence series production during the second half of this decade.

The Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG own equal interests in the joint venture, but continue to be competitors in all other areas such as vehicle technology and fuel-cell integration in trucks. www.daimler-truck.com

ITT Hub 2021 signals go-ahead for summer show

THE government roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England has resulted in confirmation that ITT Hub 2021 event will take place on 30 June and 1 July at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. The event falls into step three of the criteria, where events can open after 17 May, subject to the milestones set out in the roadmap being met. A potential limit of 4,000 attendees per day outdoors and 1,000 indoors applies to events which are mainly outdoors. March 2021

Following the roadmap’s publication, the ITT Hub advisory board agreed to support the event taking place, subject to the milestones being achieved. The organisers say they will continue to proceed with cautious optimism to deliver a safe and secure exhibition and conference. The Advisory Board said: “The opportunity to stage ITT Hub 2021 comes at a critical time. Whilst the world has been focusing on the global pandemic and economic consequences, the climate emergency has not gone away. “As we overcome Covid-19, we

need to redouble our efforts on the climate. With caution and responsible planning, ITT Hub 2021 provides the platform for supporting the government’s policy for decarbonising road transport.” An Exhibitor Open Day is scheduled for 19 May at Farnborough where exhibitors will receive presentations on planning and marketing of the event, meeting trade press and to attend an industry seminar related to the decarbonisation plan scheduled for publication this spring. www.itthub.net

green

OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

BAE Systems to deliver first bus zero emission systems in Vancouver FIFTEEN buses in Vancouver will be fitted with BAE Systems’ all-electric propulsion system, the first in North America to benefit from the latest Series-EV zero emission technology. The latest version of the technology uses fewer and more compact components and is light weight make it easy to install and efficient, enabling the buses to travel longer distances on a single charge, according to BAE. “The deployment of clean transportation in our cities is critical to reach a zero emission future,” says Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager of power & propulsion solutions, BAE Systems. “Our Series-EV system will help Vancouver take a major step towards full electrification of its bus fleet, and will help to improve air quality throughout the city.” BAE Systems has more than

13,000 propulsion systems in service on transit buses around the world, including buses in service throughout Europe, including London and Paris.

BAE Systems develops and services its technology at its facilities in Endicott, New York, and Rochester, UK.

www.baesystems.com

Latest generation BYD eBuses for Deutsche Bahn in Ettlingen BY D has secured its f irst order from DB Regio Bus, the national bus transport division of Deutsche Bahn. BYD and Deutsche Bahn have signed a framework agreement paving the way for further BYD eBus orders in 2021. Initially, five 12m BYD eBuses will enter service with DB Regio Bus later this year in Ettlingen, Baden-Württemburg. It is the second delivery of BYD elec-

tric buses in Germany following 22 vehicles in October 2020 for operators in Gelsenkirchen and Bochum. The order from DB Regio Bus is also the first for BYD’s latest eBus model. Launched at Busworld in 2019, the new model features upgrades including a new air-conditioning system, a ‘6-in1’ controller which integrates the vehicle’s principle electronic components, a larger capacity 422kWh

battery, and a FleetLink vehicle monitoring system. “This important order is indicative of the confidence that Deutsche Bahn places in our best-selling, and latest generation, 12-metre product,” says BYD Europe managing director Isbrand Ho, “which has also been rubber-stamped by the framework agreement for the supply of eBuses later this year.“ www.byd.com

March 2021

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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

McGill’s places electric bus orders with ADL and Yutong

A £17.5mil lion investment in electric buses has been announced by McGill’s, the UK’s largest independent bus operator. A total of 35 buses have been ordered by the company, comprising 23 electric single-deck buses for McGill’s Johnstone to Glasgow route, as well as 12 electric double-deck buses for Xplore Dundee which was acquired by McGill’s from National Express in December. ADL will supply the 12 double-deck Enviro400EVs and one Enviro200EV single-deck bus, while Pelican Yutong will supply 22 Yutong E12 buses.

As part of their investment into the cleanest transport technology, McGill’s will also install new electrical charging infrastructure for its depots in Johnstone and Dundee. The electric buses and infrastructure, which will be delivered in the second half of this year, ahead of the COP26 conference which takes place in Glasgow, is supported by the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. McGill’s also announced that it is in advanced talks with a variety of partners to bring 12 hydrogen buses into the business in the next 12 months.

The new fleet purchase takes McGill’s capital investment since 2014 to more than £50million – around £40million of which has been spent on new vehicles. Ralph Roberts, chief executive, McGill’s Group, says: “McGill’s is recognised for the exceptionally high standard of its fleet and we’re delighted to be making this new investment into electric vehicles. We led the charge on introducing clean diesel Euro VI fleet and by the end of 2021, the McGill’s Group will operate more electric buses than any other operator in Scotland.” www.mcggillsbuses.co.uk

March 2021

green LowCVP rebadges as Zemo Partnership to accelerate to zero TO reinforce a focus on the target for road transport emissions to be zero by 2050, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership has renamed itself as Zemo Partnership. LowCVP, set-up in 2003 to accelerate a sustainable shift to lower carbon, says it is embracing the new net zero target and changing its name as a direct and powerful demonstration that the world has changed and that the climate emergency means that ‘low’ is no longer enough. The organisation points out that 18 years ago, when it was formed, road transport emitted 118Mt of greenhouse gases (GHG) a year. Since then, despite road miles increasing by 20 per cent, overall emissions have fallen 5 per cent, driven by low carbon

policy and developing technology. Today, however, transport is the UK’s largest GHG-emitting sector, responsible for about 28 per cent of emissions, and a step-change in progress is needed. Zemo Partnership’s 200+ member organisations will be asked to commit to a new ‘Partnership Charter’ supporting the objective of accelerating the transition in transport to zero emissions. Zemo Partnership managing director Andy Eastlake says: “For the past 18 years LowCVP has played a pivotal role in helping to deliver the UK’s low emission transport targets. “In 2020, over 10% of all new cars sold were ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), surpassing the target set out at the LowCVP’s

inception in 2003. “But today low is no longer enough and we must reset our targets, roll up our sleeves and focus on the road to zero.” Philip Sellwood, Zemo Partnership chair adds: “We are very aware that changing our name means nothing if it is not backedup by tangible actions. Later this year, a new ‘Zemo Acceleration Programme’ of stand-out initiatives will be announced to demonstrate Zemo Partnership’s purpose and positioning to all our stakeholders.” www.zemo.org.uk

Autonomous Atak Electric bids to become first serial self-driving bus

KARSAN held an online launch of its Autonomous Atak Electric that it says is ready for serial production. The Autonomous Atak Electric navigates without a human driver with LiDAR sensors fitted all round the vehicle. It can drive itself on a predefined route and is capable of reaching a speed of up to 50 km an hour in self-driving mode. Modelled on the Atak Electric, Karsan developed the new autonomous variant in collaboration with US-based Adastec, which provided the Level-4 autonomous software for the vehicle. March 2021

It is powered by 220kWh BMW batteries and is capable of producing 2,500Nm torque with 230kW engine power. Karsan claims a 300km range for the 8.3m-long vehicle, which can carry up to 52 passengers. “We are also working on an

autonomous Jest, and a new breed of electric vehicles in the 12-18m segment are lined up for production,” says Karsan CEO Okan Baş. wwwkarsan.com www.adastec.com

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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Further 20 Citeas Electric for Kiel

THE northern German city of Kiel has added 20 more Citeas SLF-120 Electric in addition to an order for 47 articulated electric buses, with the latest delivery scheduled for September. As a result, by the end of 2021, 67 electric Citeas from VDL Bus & Coach will be in operation in Kiel. “We are very proud of the trust Kiel has placed in us, based on our long-standing knowledge and experience in the field of e-mobility,” says Boris Höltermann, managing director, VDL Bus & Coach Germany. “Kiel has a clear climate goal, which fits in perfectly with our ‘Aim-

ing for Zero’ objective. We hope to achieve many more milestones together by intensifying our relationship.” The 20 Citeas SLF-120 Electric will run on five routes in the city. They are charged at night at the depot and also at the terminus stops with fast charging infrastructure. KVG has so far taken 19 electric buses into operation and since the first electric Citea went into service in September last year, more than 160,000km have been covered. KVG director Andreas Schulz says: “We have a target of offering fully electric public transport by 2030. The experiences with VDL

Bus & Coach are very positive. With these electric buses, which save around 87 tonnes of CO2 per bus each year, KVG is contributing to a better and quieter living environment. In addition, we are enabling the municipality of Kiel to achieve its ambitious climate targets.” After the first five VDL Citeas SLF-120 Electric were delivered to Münster in 2015, more than 100 vehicles in Germany have so far been delivered in fully electric mode, together accounting for more than four million km of electric experience in public transport. www.vdlbuscoach.com

Second BYD eBus order in Romania

SHORTLY after its first order for eBuses in Romania in January, BYD has followed up with a subsequent order for 20 electric 12m eBuses for Constanța on the Black Sea coast. The new vehicles will be the first electric buses for the city. This second fleet order follows an initial one for a total of nine

12-metre eBuses ordered by Transbus Buzău in the Municipality of Buzău. BY D i s a l s o s uppl y i n g Constanța’s new fleet with a combination of fast and overnight charging infrastructure. BYD Europe managing director Isbrand Ho says: “eMobility has definitely arrived in Romania ad

we have cemented our partnerships with local authorities in two major cities in this country. It is only by this positive cooperation - and a combined commitment to building a sustainable future - that we have been able to deliver a long-term eMobility solution.” www.byd.com

March 2021

green Autonomous BYD bus trial takes place at Tokyo Haneda Airport

BYD has completed a 10-day trial operation of an autonomous bus at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The vehicle is BYD’s first autonomous bus tested and was carried out with Air Nippon Airways. The BYD K9 bus can carry up to 57 people and the trial will involve almost Level 3 autonomous driving tests on the bus in a specific area of the airport to collect essential data.

“At ANA, we are constantly looking for ways to harness the latest technology to enhance operations and efficiency,” says Masaki Yokai, senior vice president, ANA. “In addition to marking a significant step forward for airports, fully electric autonomous buses will result in fewer emissions and decreased carbon footprints at airports. We are optimistic that these

trials will give us the information we need to continue improving these technologies and will allow ANA to maintain its leadership in autonomous innovation.” BYD has vehicles already operating in Japan, including in Okinawa, Fukushima, Iwate, Yamanashi, Tokyo, and Nagasaki. www.byd.com

First zero emissions autonomous Irizar bus on the road in Malaga IRIZAR’S autonomous electric bus is being trialled by operator Avanza in Malaga in a real city traffic situation. This first autonomous bus is the result of the AutoMOST Project financed by CDTI through the CIEN programme. Avanza

March 2021

participated as an operator alongside 11 partners, which included the Irizar Group through Irizar e-mobility and Datik, the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Insia, CEIT-IK4 and the University of Vigo. The bus uses a high-precision

positioning and guidance system and is connected to a control centre from which specific instructions can be sent to each unit and the buses can be monitored and their itineraries accessed in realtime. www.irizar.com

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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR

Harrogate trial for Yutong E10

A trial of Yutong’s E10 electric bus is being carried out by north of England bus operator Transdev. This is the second battery-electric bus on trial with Transdev subsidiary The Harrogate Bus Company on its route 1 linking Harrogate and Knaresborough. The E10, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach, is being loaned to Transdev by Go North East. The

bus is powered by 422kWh batteries and is capable of a 370km range on a single 3.4-hour charge. The results will be compared with outcomes from a previous trial operation on the same Harrogate bus route of a BYD/ADL Enviro200EV. Transdev was the first operator in Britain to introduce ‘opportunity-charged’, Volvo electric buses in Harrogate 2018.

Transdev CEO Alex Hornby says: “We’re delighted to begin the second phase of our electric bus trials, as we look ahead to future options for electric power on one of our most popular routes, the 1 between Harrogate and Knaresborough, all to complement the existing zero emission fleet on the local town network in Harrogate.”

IRIZAR’S autonomous electric bus is being trialled by operator Avanza in Malaga in a real city traffic situation. This first autonomous bus is the result of the AutoMOST Project financed by CDTI through the CIEN programme. Avanza

www.transdevbus.co.uk

First zero emissions autonomous Irizar bus on the road in Malaga

www.irizar.com

March 2021

green Cummins gas power for BMC Procity buses in Baku

BAKU, capital of Azerbaijan, has taken delivery of 380 BMC Procity CNG buses powered by Cummins L9N natural gas engines. Built in Turkey, the BMC Procity CNG 12m and 18m buses were ordered by Baku Transport Agency and operator BakuBus. The 8.9-litre natural gas engine achieves close-to-zero emissions, according to Cummins, with NOx and PM levels around 80 per cent lower than the Euro VI standard. The Cummins L9N natural gas engine is rated at 320hp, with 1,356Nm peak torque at 1,300

rpm, through the ZF transmission and axles. The new BMC buses began to enter service in 2020 aligned with the expansion of the CNG fueling station infrastructure at depots across the city. The Procity buses feature roof-mounted CNG storage tanks with a 1,648-litre capacity to enable a longer operating range. “The new BMC Procity buses powered by the L9N are playing a significant role to improve air quality and enhancing mass transit operations within the central

area of Baku and along key corridor routes connecting the city to the surrounding urban areas,” says Cenk Yavuz, Cummins manager – on-highway business, Turkey. “Around 300 of the new CNG buses are in service, with the remaining 80 vehicles arriving in the early part of this year. This is the most modern Euro VI city bus fleet in the Caucasus region and we are delighted to be power partners with BMC on this major export success for the Turkish bus industry.” www.cummins.com

55 Yutongs for Keolis in Denmark KEOLIS has received 55 Yutong electric buses, of which 35 will be allocated to the Zealand and Falster network in the greater Copenhagen area and will enter commercial service in June 2021. The remaining 20 will be assigned to Odense.

March 2021

The 12m Yutong electric buses have the capacity to carry 62 passengers. The e-buses will be charged in their respective depots for up to six hours at night and will have a range of up to 350 km. Until the completion of the new depot in

Korsø, the 35 buses for the Zealand and Falster network will be temporarily parked in Odense, where the installation of the ticketing and bus IT systems will be carried out. www.keolis.com

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Allison and Gillig to offer eGen Flex propulsion system in USA

ALLISON Transmission, in partnership with US bus manufacturer Gillig, will offer Allison’s eGen Flex electric hybrid propulsion system. The Allison eGen Flex system is capable of improving fuel economy by up to 25 per cent compared to a conventional diesel bus, according to Allison, and has the ability to operate accessories such as air-conditioning and electric heat at optimal efficiency with electric power. The full EV capability of the eGen Flex propulsion system can also eliminate engine emissions and noise while loading and

unloading passengers, and while operating in densely populated areas or depots using geo-fencing. The eGen Flex system offers full electric drive capability for up to 10 miles, depending upon duty cycle and accessory load demands. “Gillig and Allison have established a joint partnership dedicated to optimised integration and a mutual commitment to innovation,” says Rohan Barua, Allison vice president of sales, North America. “We are excited to continue our history of innovation with Gillig through the launch of the eGen Flex propulsion system, which provides our mutual cus-

tomers full electric operation with engine-off capability, without capital infrastructure investment in charging stations. “Through this solution, Gillig and Allison are able to offer customers full EV capability, while maintaining a diesel engine for added flexibility, effectively serving as a bridge solution to EV.” Gillig received its first order for Allison eGen Flex electric hybrid-equipped buses from IndyGo, the Indianapolis Transportation Corporation. www.allisontransmission.com www.gillig.com

March 2021