July 2021
driving towards a greener future
ADL flies Britishbuilt flag at ITT Hub
Issue 428
BUILT IN BRITAIN The BYD ADL partnership’s single and double deck electric buses are designed and built in Britain, helping to underpin skilled jobs and ensuring that investment in cleaner transport benefits our communities. Find out more at www.evbus.co.uk
inside this issue 4
Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
Editorial
West Yorkshire mayor starts process towards bus franchising
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.
10 ITT Hub debut focuses on zero emission transition
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 Wrightbus launches rapidcharge EV double-deck
© Plum Publishing Limited 2021
July 2021
Issue 428
driving towards a greener future
20 ADL flies Britishbuilt flag at ITT Hub
July 2021
Hitachi Europe and Shenzhen Bus Group back decarbonisation
3
news
New 10-year contract for Arriva Slovakia agreed
ARRIVA Slovakia has won a further 10-year contract in Trnava to provide public transport services in the western Slovakian city, around 50km north-east of Bratislava. As part of the contract, Arriva intends to modernise its fleet of buses with 34 new vehicles and increase the number of lowfloor accessible buses.
During 2021, 17 new buses will be put into operation in Trnava, with another 17 vehicles retrofitted. The second phase of the fleet renewal will not be until 2026 when a further 17 new vehicles will begin operations. Jana Siber, Arriva Group managing director for Europe, says: “We are the strongest private bus
operator in the Slovak Republic and I am proud that the team has secured this 10-year contract, which also represents an investment of €8million in fleet upgrades. We expect this investment to make a difference to our passengers in the region who already know Arriva.” www.arriva.co.uk
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news
West Yorkshire mayor starts process towards bus franchising
MAYOR of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has begun the process of putting buses back into public control in line with her manifesto pledge at the recent elections. Published by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the plans propose starting the process towards franchising local bus services and going into an Enhanced Partnership with bus operators to deliver improvements for passengers. The CA argues that these measures will result in a more f lexible bus network that offers users improved accessibility, more routes and bus times that meet the needs of travellers, with simpler fares. Tracy Brabin says: “The plans we’ve published are the first step July 2021
to fulfilling one of my key pledges: to bring our buses back into public control. I want buses to be the first choice for travel in our region. Not because you don’t have a car, but because they’re more affordable, convenient to use, and better for the environment. Our buses should work for us, not the other way round. “I want more choice and better service for bus users. Simple and affordable fares, green buses, quicker, more frequent journeys, running where and when people need them. So if you’re working an early or late shift in the hospitality sector or our NHS, or on a night out, you should be able to count on there being a safe bus to get you home.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and transport portfolio lead for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, adds: “The process we are starting is an important first step in making real improvements for our region’s bus users. The steps we are taking will ultimately result in better value and improved service for the millions of people who use buses in and across West Yorkshire every week.” It is believed the earliest date that an operational franchise could begin is late 2025. The next step will be publication of a Bus Services Improvement Plan in October with delivery of improvements over the next three years. www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
5
news
Transportes Rober acquired by National Express Group as ALSA adds to its reach in Spain NATIONAL Express is acquiring Spanish operator Transportes Rober for €13 million. Rober, which has operated the urban bus contract in Granada for more than 20 years, adds to the group’s ALSA operations in Spain and follows consolidation in Galicia, the Basque Region and Leon. National Express says that Granada is a major hub for long haul connections and builds on ALSA’s existing urban business in Almeria
and regional services, consolidating its position in Andalusia with a combined fleet of 650 vehicles and 1,900 employees. Ignacio Garat, CEO, National Express, says: “I am delighted that in addition to maintaining tight control on costs, we are able to focus on growth and continue our successful ‘consolidate and compound’ strategy. The acquisition of Rober adds another revenueprotected contract to ALSA, con-
solidating its leadership position in another region, further diversifying its revenue streams and delivering operational synergies.” Francisco Iglesias, CEO, ALSA, adds: “The consolidation of regional and urban services in Andalusia will reinvigorate public transport across the region making it more attractive and easier to use”.
www.nationalexpress.com
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news
TruTac software supports Earned Recognition accreditation for KB Coaches KB Coaches has become the first coach operator in Gloucestershire to achieve DVSA Earned Recognition accreditation by using four of TruTac’s fleet software systems. KB has been operating for around 40 years and has a fleet of 20 vehicles – the average age of which is approximately three years. It specialises in services for schools and sports teams, but the fleet also includes two minibuses for airport work. KB decided to pursue Earned Recognition status around two years ago. “We read some articles in the trade press and spoke to one or two DVSA reps,” says director Andy Francis. “You agree to all the standards of Earned Recognition when you get your Operators Licence, so it’s basically just making sure that you’re doing everything you said you would and ensuring compliance is a key metric across your fleet.” At the time, the company was already using two of TruTac’s products to assist with its day-today operations. “We started with TruCheck about four years ago, just for our own peace of mind,” adds Francis. “It was to make sure the daily walkaround inspections were being done correctly and in the best way possible. They can be geolocated, time-logged and the driver takes pictures, because they
carry out the checks via an app on their phone.” The company also adopted TruTac’s TruAnalysis PSV tachograph analysis system for PSV operators as it synchronises with data collected during walkaround checks. This provided the company with all the data in one place instantly. The move to Earned Recognition saw the company take on more of TruTac’s systems, including the TruFleet vehicle maintenance management programme and the TruLicence licence verification software. Those additions allowed KB Coaches to submit KPIs to the DVSA to prove its compliance and management credentials which, in turn, means its vehicles are less
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likely to be subject to routine stops by traffic officers – one of the benefits of the scheme. “We added those systems to show that we’re fully compliant and consistently meet the DVSA’s standards for Earned Recognition,” says Francis. “It’s also just so much easier managing things like maintenance digitally. All of the systems seamlessly work with one another, so the driver knows when the vehicle’s due an inspection in the garage – it just comes up during his walkaround check. “The simplicity of the system and the full integration makes everything easy to manage and we wouldn’t be without it.” www.trutac.co.uk
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
ITT Hub debut focuses on zero emission transition
THE inaugural Innovation and Technology in Transport (ITT Hub) event made its debut in Farnborough from 30 June to 1 July 2021 to further its mission to support the transition to net zero emissions across the commercial vehicle sector. The organisers say that the exhibition was attended by 4,000 people from across the transport industry and there were around 150 exhibitors across 45,000 sq m of indoor and outdoor venue space. Mark Griffin, CEO, ITT Hub, says: “We were thrilled to welcome thousands of visitors, exhibitors and speakers to the event to explore the future of transport and tackle the challenges we face together as an industry. We have been overwhelmed with the posi-
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tive response from the show and, after just one event, ITT Hub has already been established as a vital platform for anyone working in transport. “As part of our growth strategy, we are curating a portfolio of recycling and waste management, cold chain storage and distribution, plus even more of the energy and charging technology infrastructure experts for next year’s event. “These additions to our exhibition and programme are the next logical step in the development of the all year round ITT Hub activity and I can’t wait to show the industry what we are going to do next.” Gareth Rogers, CEO, Farnborough International, adds: “This was a remarkable debut for ITT Hub and we are thrilled we could partner with the team at Binswood
Media to deliver an event of such resounding success. “ITT Hub is a pioneering platform for the transport industry, which will see the launch of revolutionary innovations, landmark government announcements and invaluable relationship building amongst industry leaders. “The future of the event is bright and, as the new owners of ITT Hub, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Mark Griffin and utilising our exceptional expertise and resources to grow ITT Hub into the leading event and news channel in the sector.” ITT Hub and the Future Logistics Conference will be returning to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 11-12 May 2022. www.itthub.co.uk
July 2021
FLEET RESOURCING LTD - COACHES FOR SALE Fleet Resourcing in association with Bus and Coach Centre would like to invite you to our Open Days Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th August
2019 Mercedes 516 Sprinter EVM 19 seats
2018 Iveco Turas 29 seats
2017 Ford Tourneo Custom 9 seats
2017 Mercedes 516 Sprinter EVM 16 seats
2016 Scania Irizar i6 49 seats WC
2016 DAF Temsa Safari 53 seats WC
2016 Neoplan Tourliner 61 seats WC
2016 Neoplan Tourliner 49 seats WC
2015 Volvo B11R 9700 Prestige 57 seats WC
2015 Volvo B9R Sunsundegui 49 seats WC
2015 Mercedes Sprinter 16 seats
2014 MAN UNVI 3 9 seats WC
2014 Mercedes Cheetah 29 seats
2014 Scania Caetano Levante 56 seats PSVAR
2012 ADL E400 Hybrid deckers Choice of 4
2005 Volvo Vanhool 59 seats WC Choice x 3
For further details and a full stock list Tel Mark 0791 961 2374 / William 07889 469157 Email: fleetresourcing@gmail.com Web: www.busandcoachcentre.co.uk
green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Formal launch and new leadership team for Switch Mobility
SWITCH Mobility, the new entity which combines the electric commercial vehicle operations of Ashok Leyland and the former Optare company, formally launched this month and confirmed a new leadership team with Andy Palmer appointed as executive vice chairman and chief executive officer. Joining Palmer are Nitin Seth as chief operating officer, Sarwant Singh Saini as chief planning officer and Roger Blakey as chief technical officer. With combined expertise of teams in UK and India, Switch aims to build on its experience of having more than 280 electric vehicles in service and over 26 million miles covered.
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Switch has already signed customer agreements with leading logistic operators and says it has secured orders for a 2,000-strong e-LCV fleet with customer trials starting this month. “Hinduja Group is focused on providing the needed thrust to our on-going initiatives in the rapidly growing zero carbon mobility sector,” says Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman, Switch Mobility. “This is orchestrated through combining the advanced engineering and development skills in the UK and India to address the demand in global markets. I am confident that with Andy Palmer at the helm, we will accelerate our vision to be at the forefront in this field soon.”
Palmer adds: “Switch holds a unique position in an increasingly competitive marketplace with our EV commercial vehicles already clocking millions of miles in service. We embrace the ethos of a start-up and enjoy the legacies of intellectual property, borne from more than a decade of technical expertise and engineering experience, that is already revenue-generating and delivering for our customers.” I’m delighted to have become part of the executive leadership team and believe we have all the required ingredients to become a leading global e-bus and e-truck player, trail-blazing the way to zero-carbon public transport.” www.switchmobility.tech
July 2021
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Finland’s first BYD eBuses arrive in Turku NOBINA has taken delivery of 43 15m eBuses from BYD, the first BYD’ vehicles in the Finnish bus market. The initial deliveries form part of a total order from Nobina for 119 BYD eBuses – the largest order in Finland – and the first time BYD’s latest 15m model will enter commercial operations. The new fleet is being deployed on Nobina’s services in the city of Turku on Finland’s southwestern coast. The remaining 76 BYD eBuses will be delivered to Nobina’s Helsinki region operation in mid-August, with models including the 15m eBus, 12m models, the latest 13m variant and the company’s high-capacity 18m articulated bus. Nobina becomes the first public transport operator in Europe to take delivery of BYD’s latest 15m, three-axle, low-entry eBus model. The vehicle offers a 47+3 seating capacity and a total passenger capacity of more than 90. BYD iron phosphate batteries deliver a single-charge range of 400km under SORT test conditions. Pre-heating for the entire saloon provides a more comfortable on-
board climate for passengers and driver, and a full cabin-surround for the driver offers COVID-19 protection.si BYD now has more than 500 vehicles either delivered or on order with public transport operators in over 20 towns and cities throughout Scandinavia. And Nobina operates more than 200 BYD eBuses across Sweden, Norway and Finland. Most recently, BYD has supplied 12m eBuses to Nobina for services in the town of Piteå in the north-east of Sweden. “Everyone at Nobina Finland is extremely excited to commence BYD eBus operations in the Turku area.” says Petri Auno, CEO, Nobina Oy. “Our route network is
extensive, so a large number of passengers stand to benefit from the new vehicles and a more environmentally friendly method of public transport.” BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, adds, “This is another significant moment for BYD in the Nordic region, where the market clearly shows BYD as the preferred supplier of battery electric buses. Our special relationship with Nobina goes from strength-to-strength too and we’re thrilled to be sharing the fantastic landmark of Finland’s largest ever order for electric buses.” www.nobina.com www.byd.coM
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July 2021
green BYD showcases its ranges at ITT Hub
BYD showcased its range of zero emission buses at this year’s ITT Hub event. The company offers product ranges for bus, coach, passenger car, taxi, construction, municipal and logistics sectors in addition to off-highway ranges. “It’s great to have the opportunity to engage again personally with customers and colleagues from around the EV industry,” says BYD Europe managing director Isbrand Ho, “ITT Hub presents a fantastic prospect to showcase our pure-electric bus and forklift products, and to discuss the importance of decarJuly 2021
bonisation in the UK, and also in BYD’s other markets in Europe. “BYD is the only manufacturer in Europe to bring to market electric-only solutions. We are a provider of a truly sustainable, ‘total solutions for eMobility’ – for operators, for local communities, and for the wider transport infrastructure.” BYD exhibits included the BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deck, product of a successful collaboration with Alexander Dennis, alongside new electric forklifts. After more than two decades in Europe, BYD has established
itself in the electric bus industry with a market-leading position in key markets throughout Europe. Today, over 2,000 BYD electric buses are in service or on order with European public transport operators in more than 20 countries and 100 cities, accounting for more than 100 million zero-emissions kilometres and reducing CO2 emissions by over 100,000tonnes. Over 65,000 BYD electric buses and more than one million new energy passenger cars can be found in 300 cities and 50 countries. www.byd.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
ADL flies British-built flag at ITT Hub
ALEXANDER Dennis displayed a selection of its British-built buses and coaches at ITT Hub, held for the first time at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 30 June to 1 July 2021. In addition to the zero-emission capable Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid, which operates for up to three miles at a time in electric mode and uses geofencing to cut out emissions in pollution hotspots, two electric BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-decks were at ITT Hub for visitors to experience in the ride & drive event as well as on the stand of ADL’s partner for electric buses in the UK and Ireland, BYD. The BYD ADL part-
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nership is the leading supplier of zero emission buses in Britain, with over 1,000 delivered or currently on order. There were also high-specification Enviro400s on the stands of rental and finance partners Dawsongroup and Mistral Group and examples of Britain’s best-selling single-deck bus, the Enviro200. The Plaxton coach range was represented by a wheelchair-accessible Plaxton Panther from ADL’s available stock and Dawsongroup showed a Plaxton Leopard coach, also built to PSVAR-compliant specification. ADL stresses that all its buses and coaches for the UK – including the BYD ADL partnership’s
electric buses and H2.0, ADL’s second generation hydrogen bus – will continue to be built in Britain at the manufacturer’s major production facilities in Falkirk and Scarborough. ADL president and managing director, Paul Davies, says: “We are proud to ensure that investment in cleaner and greener buses and coaches benefits communities across the country. We continue to build on and invest in the skills and expertise of our team to design, build and deliver sustainable solutions which put us at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission mobility – we are Leading the ZEvolution.” www.alexander-dennis.com
July 2021
green Wrightbus launches rapid-charge EV double-deck at ITT Hub
WRIGHTBUS has been focusing on hydrogen technology in recent months, but used ITT Hub to unveil its new rapid-charge electric double-deck bus. Wrightbus says the StreetDeck Electroliner maximises power while offering class-leading recharge times. The Electroliner has a French battery pack which delivers 454kW and a 200-mile range, and will recharge in under three hours. Wrightbus was bought out of administration by entrepreneur Jo Bamford in October 2019, since when the company has July 2021
launched a world-first hydrogen bus as well as a telematics system to give real-time updates on performance, maintenance and CO2 savings. CEO Buta Atwal says: “We have gained a strong reputation for our hydrogen double deck but we want to lead the world in zero-emissions full stop. “Wrightbus has the best brains in the business when it comes to technology and our StreetDeck Electroliner puts us squarely at the front of the pack. “We haven’t weighed the bus down with a high battery volume
just so we can say it’s got the most power or range; instead, we want to be the most efficient vehicle on the road so we’ve combined optimum power with a class-leading rapid charge meaning our electric bus spends more time on the road than any other.” Wrightbus’ hydrogen-fuelled bus is already in operation in Aberdeen, London, Belfast and Dublin, and the Ballymenabased company says it is in discussions with operators from the USA, Australia, South America and the Far East. www.wrightbus.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Zenobe EV partners with Cardiff Bus for roll out of EVs ZENOBE is partnering with Welsh bus operator Cardiff Bus to implement charging infrastructure for its new electric vehicle fleet of 36 vehicles. The project is the second for Zenobe in Wales, which is also working with Newport Bus. Going live at the end of 2021, the electrified depot will enable Cardiff Bus to bring 36 electric buses into service. It will utilise Zenobe’s charging infrastructure service, including proprietary software and funding the charging infrastructure and depot batteries. Zenobe’s approach aims to reduce the risks for fleet owners in making the switch to a fully electric fleet. The newly electrified depot will serve routes to the north
and east of the city in Llanishen, Thornhill, Llanrumney and St Mellons. Zenobe is project managing the infrastructure and software implementation to manage the fleet charging, as well as the resulting power requirements. Zenobe’s dynamic charging system actively monitors the capacity and charge of the fleet’s batteries, prioritising vehicles that need charging more rapidly. The system also ensures the depot doesn’t exceed its grid connection power allowance, removing the need for manual charging management, making the depot more efficient. The partnership forms part of Cardiff Bus’ recent £14million electric fleet investment, partially
funded by the UK Government’s Ultra-Low Emissions Scheme. Steven Meersman, co-founder, Zenobe Energy, says: “We are thrilled to be expanding our work in Wales, following on from a successful project in Newport, and partnering with Cardiff Bus as they look to transition to electric travel. “We are committed to working with local councils across the region to help boost accessibility to sustainable travel and support the UK’s drive towards net zero. “This project is a great example of Zenobe’s holistic offering, empowering operators around the UK to begin their transition to net-zero.” www.zenobe.com
BYD strengthens its market position in Spain and Portugal BYD has won an order for two 12-metre eBuses from Transportes Urbanos de Santander which will be the first electric buses for northern Spain’s coastal city of Santander. BYD is now present in towns and cities throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with over 80 eBuses currently in service. BYD has also received an order for an additional five eBuses from the Coimbra Municipal Transportation Service (SMTUC) in Portugal scheduled for delivery before the end of this year, after eight vehicles were supplied in 2019.
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Gema Igual, mayor of Santander says, “Several tests with electric vehicles have been carried out in Santander to evaluate the potential of this technology. We can already say we’re prepared for their introduction and look forward to them joining the fleet.” “The acquisition of these new eBuses is part of the fleet renewal plan, which will incorporate new
buses every year until 2030. We continue to modernise municipal urban transport to achieve services that are increasingly sustainable and committed to the environment with models that provide more advanced technology, contribute to the fight against climate change and improve safety.” www.byd.com
July 2021
green Yutong wins design award for autonomous bus
YUTONG has won a prestigious Red Dot design award for its Xiaoyu 2.0 autonomous bus which aims to combine advanced design, autonomous driving, intelligent human-vehicle interaction and cloud control. Yutong says the vehicle’s construction is inspired by a space capsule and has a highly technological appearance underscored by the colour theme. The interior design is based on the concept of a mobile reception room using a corresponding colour and material mix. An intelligent voice interaction system facilitates July 2021
communication between the passengers and the vehicle. The award’s jury comments: “With its futuristic yet appealing appearance, the Xiaoyu 2.0 is an autonomous public transport solution that inspires trust in passengers”. Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus UK for Pelican, says: “This award recognises the innovation and design capabilities of Yutong, the world’s largest bus and coach manufacturer. Some of the technology used is already benefitting UK bus and coach operators, with enhanced safety features being fit-
ted. The continuous investment in research and design, with over 4000 engineers working on different projects, will ensure that we are at the vanguard of bus and coach developments for our customers”. The Red Dot Design Award is a German international design prize which has categories for product design, brands and communication design, and design concept. Since 1955, designers and producers can apply for the prizes, with the winners being presented in an annual ceremony. www.pelicanyutong.co.uk
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Hitachi Europe and Shenzhen Bus Group to support bus decarbonisation
HITACHI Europe and Shenzhen Bus Group are working together to support European bus operators and municipalities electrify their bus fleets. SZBG brings operationa l expertise to the partnership having electrified its own f leet of over 10,000 vehicles, and is combined with Hitachi’s knowledge of charging infrastructure, delivering mobility as a service, and managing commercial fleets. “Shenzhen Bus Group is a world-leader in bus fleet electrification,” says Mike Nugent, head of EV for Hitachi Europe. “Our future partnership is another key element of our decarbonisa-
20
tion solution that brings the best qualities of our respective organisations to European bus fleets to help simplify and accelerate rollout programmes.” Based on successful transformation and service delivery models, the partners will offer joint planning services for customers making the shift to EV. “Over a decade ago, Shenzhen Bus Group embarked on the fleet electrification journey and has learnt many lessons and gained a lot of experience in commissioning EVs”, says Joe Ma, deputy general manager, Shenzhen Bus Group. “We are proud and honoured to be partnering with Hitachi Europe
in sharing our experience with fellow European transportation operators on their journey to becoming zero carbon emission mobility providers.” Chris Saul, chief strategy & innovation officer, Hitachi Europe, adds: “Hitachi is bringing together the digital, transportation and energy capabilities across the Hitachi Group alongside specialists like SZBG in an ecosystem to drive our Race to Zero aspiration.” https://social-innovation.hitachi.com/ portfolio/bus-fleet-electrificationemea
July 2021
green Cummins-led consortium wins backing for new technologies for hybrid and fuel cell powertrains CUMMINS has received backing from the Government- and industry-funded project, Trident, to help accelerate British development of air handling technologies by three years. The funding allows Cummins and its partners to allocate additional engineers and resources to develop new air handling technologies for hybrid and fuel cell powertrains. Aligned with UK government ambitions, the collaborative project led by Cummins, seeks to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality by building a UK supply chain for the next generation of heavy-duty turbochargers. Cummins, a leading supplier of turbocharger technology for more than 60 years, is well-positioned to lead the consortium with partners University of Bath,
Holtex and Aeristech. Brett Fathauer, executive director – research & engineering for Cummins Turbo Technologies, says: “The funding that Cummins and our partners received from the Advanced Propulsion Centre is critical to helping us deliver CO2 and fuel consumption improvements across a variety of power solutions.” “Additionally, we expect to accelerate our development of air handling technologies for hybrid and fuel cell powertrains by three years, as we continue our focus on developing and offering technologies that are better for our customers, the environment and our communities.” Duncan Kerr, CEO, Aeristech, adds: “Working with Cummins in a partnership of this calibre is an outstanding opportunity to use
our electric motor technologies in next-generation powertrains for hydrogen-fuel cell powered vehicles. Our technologies deliver the high performance and efficiency needed to increase the power output of the fuel cell by forcing air into the fuel cell engine using an electrically driven turbocharger. These hydrogen fuel cell systems are zero emission and we’re delighted to be working with Cummins to jointly develop new green technology solutions.” Cummins and the consortium partners aim to create a ‘gamechanging’ energy recovery platform which delivers CO2 and fuel consumption improvements across a variety of sustainable power solutions, recognising that electric alone may not be suitable for some applications. www.cummins.com
Zemo Partnership strengthens its stakeholder board ZEMO Partnership has appointed four new members to its board of directors: Tim Anderson, Energy Saving Trust; Richard Cuerden, Transport Research Laboratory; Tanya Neech, Scania UK; and Glenn Saint, Arrival. The organisation - which changed its name from LowCVP to Zemo Partnership earlier this July 2021
year has a Board elected by its diverse stakeholder groups. Zemo Partnership chair, Philip Sellwood, says: “I’m delighted to welcome these new members to our board. They join at an exciting and critical moment as the organisation positions to help government and industry deliver accelerated
progress towards the full decarbonisation of road transport.” Greg Marsden, professor of transport governance at the Institute for Transport Studies, Leeds University and Peter Harris, vice president, international sustainability, UPS have been re-elected again and continue on the board. www.zemo.org.uk
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
RATP Dev London to take 195 electric buses from BYD ADL
BYD UK and Alexander Dennis are set to deliver the UK’s largest electric bus order with RATP Dev London ordering a total of 195 single- and double-deck vehicles. With the order, RATP Dev London is supporting TfL’s electrification plan for London’s bus network, a key objective of the mayor’s transport strategy for 2018, under which all TfL buses will be zero emissions by 2037, with all of London’s transport becoming emissions free by 2037. The record order comes as the BYD ADL partnership continues to go from strength to strength, just five years after it was launched. In London alone, more than 400 BYD ADL electric buses have cumulatively covered over 20 million zero-emission miles,
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and another 300 vehicles are on order including this latest intake for RATP Dev London. The latest order will make RATP Dev London the largest operator of electric buses in London by the beginning of 2022, with close to 25 per cent of its London United and London Sovereign fleet fully electric. Deliveries of RATP Dev London’s latest BYD ADL fleet will begin in the summer. 68 BYD ADL Enviro200EV single-decks – including 21 compact 10.2-metre models – and 127 BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-decks will be based at RATP Dev London’s Fulwell, Harrow and Shepherd’s Bush depots to serve routes in the west of the capital. The buses will join 36 existing BYD ADL single decks in service since 2018 and 29 BYD ADL double-decks delivered
last year. Catherine Chardon, managing director, RATP Dev London, says: “Electrification is a critical part of our business and partnership with Transport for London. We launched our two first 100 per cent electric routes less than two years ago, as well as London’s first fully electric 24-hour double-deck bus route last year. “By the beginning of 2022, we will operate 15 zero emission routes and have five of our garages converted to electric. This agreement will help RATP Dev London position itself as the leading electric bus services provider in the city. We are proud to work hand in hand with TfL to help London achieve its sustainability goals.” www.ratpdev.com www.alexander-dennis.com
July 2021
green Work underway on McGill’s electrification
WORK has started on preparations for zero-emission electric vehicles at depots owned by McGill’s Buses, the UK largest bus independent operator. New infrastructure is being installed by Zenobē to fully electrify McGill’s depots in Johnstone, Inchinnan and at Xplore Dundee. The project will be completed ahead of the delivery of 68 electric vehicles to McGill’s following a £32.5million investment partly funded by the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra Low Emissions Bus Scheme, which was set up to help drive the adoption of sustainable transport in Scotland. July 2021
The buses will be delivered in the autumn and will see the McGill’s Group operate the largest electric f leet in Scotland as COP26 gets underway in Glasgow in November. McGill’s is electrifying its depots and it is estimated that it will need around 28MWh of energy to charge the buses in all three sites. Ralph Roberts, chief executive, McGill’s Group, says: “The introduction of electric vehicles will lead to a huge reduction in CO2 emissions from our operations and McGill’s is excited to be leading the way with the largest electric fleet in Scotland operational by COP26 in November. Transforming our depots to get ready for these new
buses is a hugely important part of the jigsaw and we’re delighted to start that process with Zenobē Energy today.” James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Group, adds: “We firmly believe the new electric fleet will entice more people to leave their car keys at home and switch to the bus. “Electric buses bring a new level of passenger experience, including air conditioning and USB charging, coupled with a whisper quiet journey. It’s an exciting time for McGill’s as we continue to invest and grow the business even further.” www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk www.zenobe.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Lothian Buses takes first BYD ADL Enviro400EVs
ALEXANDER Dennis and BYD UK have supplied four Enviro400EV double-deck buses to Lothian Buses in Edinburgh which have been funded as a f lagship project of SP Energy Networks’ £20million Green Economy Fund. Through the Green Economy Fund, SP Energy Networks is investing in the communities that it serves to support the UK and Scottish governments’ green energy ambitions. The four Enviro400EVs were built by ADL locally in Falkirk, further benefitting the Scottish economy. Lothian Buses will use the electric buses, each of which is 10.8m long and has seats for up
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to 72 passengers, on its route 10 between Leith, Edinburgh city centre and Bonaly. Nigel Serafini, interim managing director, Lothian Buses, says: “Across the last decade, Lothian has removed around 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from our carbon footprint through our fleet replacement strategies, and the introduction of Edinburgh’s first fully-electric double-deck buses allows us to continue on this journey, further reducing our impact on the environment. “The introduction of these vehicles across our Service 10 further cements our commitment to meet the requirements of the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council’s climate change
strategies.” Paul Davies, president and managing director, ADL, adds: “These new electric buses take our collaboration with Lothian Buses to the next step by further reducing emissions and improving air quality while continuing to reinvest in the Scottish economy and local communities where we assemble our buses. “The BYD ADL partnership’s combination of BYD’s proven battery technology and ADL’s world-class focus on vehicle specification ensures that drivers, engineers and passengers alike will love these buses.” www.alexander-dennis.com www.byd.com
July 2021
green New Enviro500EV Charge for North American market
A L E X A N DER Dennis has unveiled its first zero-emission, three-axle double-deck bus for the North American market. The Enviro500EV Charge is an all-electric version of the world’s best-selling double-deck. The Enviro500EV Charge has an integrated electric drive system tailored to the requirements of North American transit bodies. An electric portal axle with hub motors provides fast and efficient propulsion with 2×125kW peak power output. The drive and auxiliary axles have been switched with power supplied at the third axle, ensuring optimum weight distribution and high passenger capacity. A powerful 648kWh of energy storage is provided by batteries that are integrated in the chassis and the rear of the vehicle for a low centre of gravity and great stability. These have industry standard CCS1 charging points July 2021
available on the left or the right side of the bus. Gantry charging is also an option. The system includes an electric heat pump to provide both heating and cooling, which minimises the amount of energy required and increases range capability of the fully air- conditioned bus. The 45-foot Env iro500EV Charge is designed to offer a good passenger experience with reclined seating, overhead reading lights and air vents, USB ports, and wi-fi and multimedia capability, as well as a high passenger capacity with up to 82 seats, including 53 on the upper deck. The Enviro500EV Charge forms part of NFI’s range of zero emission buses and coaches alongside New Flyer’s Xcelsior Charge NGTM and Xcelsior Charge H2TM, MCI’s J4500 Charge and D45 CRT LE Charge, and the ARBOC Equess Charge. It is Buy America compliant and Altoona
testing is scheduled to start later this year. Paul Soubry, NFI president and chief executive officer, says: “We are excited to have Alexander Dennis join in on producing zero-emission bus solutions for North America as this is the very first launch of an Alexander Dennis vehicle at our Vehicle Innovation Center. “When acquiring ADL and welcoming the company into NFI Group in May 2019, their strong international growth agenda and double-deck platform were extremely interesting to us and today’s 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.” www.nfigroup.com www.alexander-dennis.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Rurtalbus to take five Caetano hydrogen buses CAETANOBUS is to deliver five 12m hydrogen buses to Rurtalbus in Kreis Düren, Germany by the first quarter of 2022. Rurtalbus is responsible for all public bus transport in the district of Düren. “We are extremely honoured that our H2.City Gold units were selected by Rurtalbus,” says Nuno Carvalho, sales & business development director, CaetanoBus. “We are very glad to support this operator towards a more environmentally-friendly f leet and we look forward to deliver their first hydrogen buses.” The H2.City Gold units will be equipped with a Toyota fuel cell and will offer a drive range of more than 400km. Nik Asbach, managing direc-
tor, Rurtalbus, adds: “We are looking forward to taking the road to a climate-neutral local public transport system in the administrative district of Düren. We are quite certain of having found the fitting partner in CaetanoBus to put
buses on the road in our district, which will meet the high expectation of our passengers as well as providing our employees with comfortable workplaces in modern climate-neutral buses.”
www.salvadorcaetano.pt
Volvo wins hybrid deal in Switzerland SWISS operator Bernmobil has placed a contract with Volvo Buses for the delivery of hybrid articulated and single-deck buses. The order for 36 selfcharging hybrid electric buses is the largest of its kind for Volvo in Switzerland and the Volvo 7900 S-Charge buses will be delivered from January 2022 to June 2022. The new Volvo S-Charge buses feature a full electric propulsion system, enabling the buses to travel for longer in zero emission mode. Intelligent zoning will manage the hybrid driving mode of the vehicles, providing operational flexibility of the fleet and eliminating noise and emissions in
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pre-defined areas. Markus Anderegg, technical director, Bernmobil, says: “The Volvo 7900 S-Charge meets our operational and technical requirements perfectly. The high capacity, the total cost of ownership, the excellent service support and the mature zoning and self-charging concept made the difference for us.” Jean-Pierre Roemer, Volvo Buses Switzerland, adds: “The Volvo 7900 S-Charge is one of our cleanest buses, generating up to 40 per cent lower CO2 emissions than a comparable diesel bus. “In Bern, the CO2 emissions will be reduced by almost 50 tonnes per year. With the support of Volvo’s
geofencing system, ‘Volvo Zone Management’, the vehicle can be programmed to drive in electric mode in low emission zones or in areas where it will be most beneficial to the community, such as bus stops and city centres.” The Volvo 7900 S-Charge can run on electric energy for distances up to one kilometre and at speeds up to 50 km/h. Volvo claims this provides significant fuel savings as well as reduced noise and CO2 emissions. The Volvo 7900 S-Charge buses for the order will be manufactured at Volvo Buses’ production facility in Wroclaw, Poland. www.volvobuses.com
July 2021
green Hitachi to support Arrival EV products
HITACHI Europe and newlyformed EV producer Arrival have partnered to deliver new bus and infrastructure solutions to the European bus industry. The non-exclusive partnership aims to combine Hitachi’s digital and operational capabilities to offer integrated end-to-end solutions that incorporate all aspects of owning and operating Arrival vehicles, including charging infrastructure and digital tools. “We’re delighted to join forces with Arrival as we become the July 2021
partner of choice for municipalities and bus operators to deliver end to end and integrated estate wide rollouts of electric vehicles and infrastructure,” says Mike Nugent, head of EV, Hitachi Europe. “As governments look to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles in the next decade, providing the wide range of necessary solutions and technologies in an integrated, streamlined and operationallymanageable way will be vital for bus operators and municipalities across Europe.”
Hamish Phillips, UK head of sales, Arrival, adds: “Arrival’s vehicles already provide a much lower total cost of ownership for customers, and when incorporated into Hitachi’s business model we can see an even more compelling business case for companies to transition their fleets to electric more rapidly.” https://social-innovation.hitachi.com/ portfolio/bus-fleet-electrificationemea
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