August 2021
driving towards a greener future
Zero emission focus at ADL
Issue 429
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Bus and Coach Professional is published by Plum Publishing Ltd
Editorial
Analysis: Eyes on a zero emission future at ADL
Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com
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8 Analysis: Assessing UK’s Decarbonisation Plan
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13 Anadolu Isuzu in new approach with Kendo CNG
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August 2021
Issue 429
driving towards a greener future
14 Zero emission focus at ADL
August 2021
Opportunity charging for West Scotland rural fleet
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Analysis: ADL looks to the future
Eyes on a zero emission future at ADL ADL president and managing director Paul Davies calls for UK zero emission funding to be used to boost local manufacturing.
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he obvious question about the UK government’s much-repeated objective of seeing 4,000 new zero emission buses over the next four years is, where will these vehicles be built? Will it mean more imported vehicles, or does this offer the potential to boost UK production as well as clean up emissions? ADL president and managing director Paul Davies is unashamedly waving the ‘Built in Britain’ flag as he aims to persuade government to prioritise UK manufacturing. “We shouldn’t be embarrassed about asking for that money to be spent locally,” he says. “It’s a huge opportunity to do the right thing and to support manufacturing jobs and the wider supply chain.” ADL employs around 1,700 in the UK and points to estimates that, in addition to the direct manufacturing workforce, the supply chain for the whole bus manufacturing sector brings the total number of jobs in the country to around 7,000.
Paul Davies, ADL president and managing director.
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Of course, ADL does have a significant partner in its ‘ZEvolution’ with the Chinese-built BYD electric chassis underpinning an impressive UK sales record of 500 electric buses in service plus 500 on order. There are plans from ADL and BYD in progress to carry out more localised chassis production here in the UK, but the beating heart of the electric bus, the batteries and electric powertrain, will continue to be imported from China for the foreseeable future. The original plan was for electric bus chassis manufacturing to be switched to ADL’s UK plants this year, but strong levels of current demand has meant that this is now more likely in early 2022, according to Davies. And ADL is also building in Britain for export with the substantial order of 198 Enviro500s for Berlin’s BVG being one example. These are diesel-powered rather than EVs, but they are helping to maintain work at ADL’s Scarborough facility, the home of Plaxton coaches which is being repurposed to focus almost exclusively on the BVG order while the new coach market remains moribund. Davies says that there is enough ready-built Plaxton coach stock to meet the low levels of current demand, so it makes sense to focus the production lines at Scarborough on buses for the time being. There are changes elsewhere in ADL’s footprint around the UK with a new engineering and development facility about to open in Farnborough. The plant will be named Trident House to reflect the association with the Dennis name, and appropriately it is also likely to house a museum with exhibits reflecting the history of the brand. The Farnborough base will deploy expertise from the nearby former Guildford plant which was closed last year. ADL also seized an opportunity across the Irish Sea following the collapse of Wrightbus in 2019 to scoop up some of its former talent and has established a small engineering centre in Ballymena with 19 staff. August 2021
Although both the Alexander and Dennis marques have a long history of association with the UK bus market, international sales have been a critical element of maintaining ADL’s growth over the past decades. And Paul Davies’ background gives him a distinct advantage in that sphere, having been leading ADL’s growth in the Asia Pacific market for the past 20 years after relocating to Hong Kong in 2000. Over that period, ADL has maintained a dominant position in the Hong Kong bus market with its Enviro500, and built new markets in Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand, as well as establishing assembly operations in Malaysia and China. The latest developments in the region include new deals to localise assembly of Enviro200 EVs in both Australia and New Zealand with partners Nexport and Kiwi Bus Builders. And across the Atlantic, North America is a strong success story with around 1,200 ADL double-deck buses now operating there, and the recent launch of the Enviro500EV Charge as the first zero emission three-axle double-deck targeting the next phase of growth. The North American electric bus has a powerful 648kW battery which you might expect would give it a much longer range than the UK variants, but ADL points out that the significant load from the essential air-conditioning means it will be roughly on a par in terms of daily range. The first examples are being deployed on commuter services to Los Angeles by Foothills Transit and ADL reports strong interest from transport authorities in Seattle, Portland, Spokane and San Francisco. August 2021
Closer to home, ADL has reinforced its position in Ireland with a new deal with the National Transport Authority for up to 200 Enviro200EVs with an initial firm order for 45 which will go to Dublin and Athlone. This order follows the earlier deal for 100 Enviro400ER hybrid buses as part of a framework agreement for up to 600. The bespoke nature of bus manufacture is clearly evidenced in the NTA order with the need to adapt
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Analysis: ADL looks to the future
to Irish requirements leading to a restyling of the Enviro200 front to include a raked windscreen as well as multiple interior layouts. “We don’t have two customers with the same bus, let alone two countries with the same bus,” quips Davies. The large hybrid order in Ireland raises a question of whether there is still potential for that variant given the growing dominance of full-electric buses. “I would be surprised if there was a massive market in hybrid,” responds Davies, pointing out that ZEBRA funding in England does not include hybrids and therefore the focus remains on zero emission vehicles. Zero emission doesn’t just mean electric of course. ADL has announced plans for its H2.0 hydrogenpowered bus which should deliver a 300-mile range. The H2.0 deploys the well-established Ballard fuel cell and uses Voith’s Electric Drive System. Given the need to satisfy its customer base, ADL remains committed to a ‘technology-agnostic’
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approach, and is willing to provide a solution that each customer wants. But beyond some notable, but potentially modest interest in hydrogen buses at present, it is likely that BEVs will remain the number one zero emission choice, especially given the need to deliver the sorts of numbers that the UK government’s ambitions call for in just a few years. Davies believes that range-anxiety regarding electric buses is now misplaced, since he estimates that current models can now meet more than 80 per cent of the operational requirements for UK operators, and only a small number of routes may need an additional boost. The ADL boss declines to put a date on when it would be feasible to end the sale of new diesel buses, but it is clear that his focus, and all of the company’s new product development is firmly targeting a zero emission future. www.alexanderdennis.com August 2021
Analysis: UK Transport Decarbonisation Plan
Big plans, big numbers; now it’s time for delivery on the UK's ZE future Assessing the UK government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
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he UK government had its homework marked earlier this year by its key advisory body on climate change which concluded ‘must do better’. The Climate Change Committee praised the government’s “historic climate promises in the past year” but added “it has been too slow with delivery”. It is a criticism often levelled at Boris Johnson’s administration and it will be interesting to see similar assessments in a couple of years of the much-awaited Transport Decarbonisation Plan which was finally published in July. The Climate Change Committee itself has warned that “the devil will be in the detail and we look forward to scrutinising the Government’s proposals fully and carefully”, while welcoming the plan’s ambition to phase out diesel ICEs and promote Net Zero aviation. There is little new in the specific bus and coach sections of the document which largely rehashes earlier commitments including 4,000 new ZE buses and the all-electric Bus Town which is to be in Coventry. But let’s face it, any major government strategy which has a significant role for buses and coaches has to be welcome. The headline-grabbing nuggets of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan include a target of phasing out new diesel and petrol HGVs up to 26tonnes by 2035, and those over 26tonnes by 2040. On buses and coaches there are no clear dates with a consultation underway on buses, and one promised at some point for coaches. The delay in setting a consultation date for phasing out diesel coaches is not surprising of course, given the fact that there is still a lot of work to do in delivering technically- and commercially-viable zero emission models. Vehicle range and charging infrastructure are the key considerations for coaches. There are some positive signs however with Van Hool
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and Proterra promoting their CX45 EV coach in North America which claims a 300mile-plus range, and Yutong’s TCe12 EV coach which can do around 200 miles on a single charge, but there is definitely more work to be done before the sector can realistically commit to a target date for the end of diesel. The reaction to the government’s plan has been mixed as might be expected; a warm welcome for ambition, alongside scepticism about the lack of detail and solid pathways to deliver that ambition. The document’s introduction is telling in exposing the government determination to put across a message that the transition to net zero may not be too painful after all. Clearly, it doesn’t want to frighten its voters, but you can’t help feeling that this represents a business-as-usual, ‘Carry on Regardless’ approach. “It’s not about stopping people doing things: it’s about doing the same things differently,” says transport secretary Grant Shapps. “We will still fly on holiday, but in more efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel. We will still drive on improved roads, but increasingly in zero emission cars. We will still have new development, but it won’t force us into high-carbon lifestyles.” ‘Cake … and eat it’ comes to mind when reading this reassuring-sounding message. An example of the potential conflicts and difficult decisions which lie ahead can be seen by the fact that ‘accelerating modal shift to public and active transport’ comes top of the list of strategic priorities, while the transport secretary also continues to laud the government’s “ambitious roads programme” which of course prioritises provision for car journeys above all else. There are some big numbers in the plan: £2billion to promote walking and cycling projects, and the August 2021
Analysis
previously-announced £3billion of “transformative funding” for buses. But within the Department for Transport’s overall budget there are some even bigger numbers including a £28.8billion roads budget and a £44billion-andcounting sum for HS2, which admittedly will create an electric rail route, but its carbon budget is unlikely to be balanced for decades with a very significant impact on biodiversity during the construction phase. Reaction to the plan from organisations representing operators and passengers is mixed. The need to rebalance spending commitments is a key criticism of the plan from Better Transport which says: “What this plan does lack is any concrete measures to rebalance transport spending away from road building and towards more sustainable modes”. And CPT calls for a commitment to get people out of their cars and on to buses, backed by a transparent August 2021
road pricing plan. Meanwhile, Bus Users points out that while the plan focuses on ‘clean transport’, there is no clear strategy on transforming behaviour which it believes is essential to reduce congestion and encourage people on to more sustainable modes. Zemo Partnership is less critical, describing the plan as a “greenprint” and a “landmark moment for the UK transport sector” and praising what it asserts is its “wide-ranging and detailed” approach. Looking ahead to the forthcoming COP26 taking place in Glasgow in November and beyond, decarbonising transport will remain a key priority. We look forward to marking the government and the industry’s homework over the coming years to see how the reality pans out compared to the plan’s targets. www.gov.uk/government/publications/ transport-decarbonisation-plan
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Iveco Bus wins 180-electric bus contract for Paris
IVECO Bus’ 12m full electric E-WAY has been selected as part of the major European tender for electric buses by RATP and funded by Île-de-France Mobilités, the Paris transport authority. This new tender is part of the implementation of the Bus 2025 plan aimed at making the Paris city bus fleet and its region more environmentally-friendly. The electric buses, marketed in France under the name GX ELEC, will soon join others which are already in operation
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on RATP lines. RATP group and Île-de-France Mobilités have awarded a contract for 180 electric buses, making Iveco Bus RATP’s leading supplier for electric buses. RATP has elected the overnight charging version of the E-WAY which can be recharged in a few hours in bus depots. The E-WAY bus range is available in four lengths (9.5m, 10.7m, 12m and 18m) and three charging modes: overnight at the depot, via pantograph (ascending or descending)
or mixed recharging. Stéphane Espinasse, Iveco Bus brand leader, says: “We are proud to have been selected again for the largest European tender for electric buses. It is an honour to be able to support RATP in the deployment of its ambitious Bus 2025 plan, which aims to have a fleet of 100 per cent clean buses. The choice of the E-WAY is a confirmation of the expertise of Iveco Bus in the field of zero emission vehicles.” www.ivecobus.com
August 2021
green Dana makes strategic investment in Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility ASHOK Leyland subsidiary Switch Mobility is to receive a strategic investment from Dana which will become a preferred supplier of electric drivetrain components for the company’s e-bus and EV commercial vehicles, providing e-axles, gearboxes, motors, inverters, software and controls, and electronics cooling. Ja mes Ka msick as, Da na chairman and CEO, says: “Light commercial vehicles and buses continue to present significant opportunities as they lead the commercial-vehicle segment’s shift to fully electrified plat-
forms. We are pleased to extend our relationships with our longstanding customers, Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility, as they continue to grow and implement their next-generation, road-proven technology that will enable a direct, positive impact on delivering sustainable urban e- mobility.” Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman of Switch Mobility, adds: “In Switch Mobility, we have an ambitious plan to be leading the zero-carbon mobility globally through positioning innovative products and solutions. I believe the co-operation with Dana will accelerate the process, building on our strong
relationship of many years and extend our market footprints in many new geographies.” www.dana.com www.switchmobility.tech
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Irizar wins one of largest European electric bus contracts for Paris IRIZAR e-mobility has signed an agreement with RATP, which in the first two years, will see it deliver 113 Irizar ie electric buses. The 12m-long vehicles will be equipped with 350kWh Irizar batteries and they will be slowcharged in the depot. The electronics, communications and other main components and systems on the buses use technology from the Irizar Group. “Being able to implement our electromobility solutions in a city like Paris, which is a world leader
in electromobility, is a major challenge and we couldn’t be more proud.” says general director, Irizar e-mobility Imanol Rego. “Without a doubt it’s a very ambitious project that represents a big step forward in our position in the French market. And it reaffirms our strategy of providing solutions and turn-key services for sustainable, efficient, intelligent, accessible, safe and connected mass transit.” The project is part of the RATP’s Bus2025 programme, which is
financed by Île-de-France Mobilités with the goal to make all the buses operated by the RATP electric or biofuel by 2025. www.irizar-emobility.com
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August 2021
green Anadolu Isuzu in new approach in intercity transportation with Kendo CNG
THE Kendo CNG bus, designed and developed by Anadolu Isuzu, has achieved sales of nearly 50 units in Europe, 30 of them for customers in France, since its launch last year. The Kendo CNG has also been confirmed as a finalist in the intercity category for the Sustainable Bus Awards 2022 which will be announced later this year and is now continuing its Euro Tour 2021 across Europe to demonstrate the vehicle to a range of short-distance intercity operators, school bus operators, tourism, and public transport sector representatives. The vehicle is powered by an 8.9-litre, 320hp CNG engine which is also compatible with biogas use, and delivers 1,356Nm of torque with ZF automatic transmission. The Kendo CNG has 1,520-litre type-3 gas cylinders to provide an extensive range with the cylinders having superior thermal conductivity, August 2021
greater heat tolerance and shockproof features. The 13m Kendo has a passenger capacity of 63 with luggage capacity of 7.5 cu m, modern aerodynamic exterior design, covered CNG tanks, wide passenger windows and stylish parking lights, plus LED signal lights and LED daytime running lights. A digital multi-functional cluster provides full control to the driver by showing vehicle-related information to enable the driver to focus on safe driving. Retarder, hill holder, ABS, ASR, EBS, ESC and ESP are standard, and AEBS and LDWS can also be integrated. “Positive comments and feedback from customers in demo tours are motivating us to go further with sustainable buses,” says a spokesperson for Anadolu Isuzu. “Increasing population trends in urban areas are expected to continue in European countries which will lead to more vehicles to be on roads and have longer daily journeys and as a result, more air
pollution. Therefore developing environmentally and socially friendly modes of transport is a necessity. “Anadolu Isuzu has focused on the development of new technologies and policies for more environmentally friendly buses and Kendo CNG is one of the results. This technologically-innovative bus not only reduces the negative environmental impact of transportation, but also makes journeys attractive and enjoyable. “The Kendo CNG perfectly meets increased market demands for sustainable passenger transport in urban and interurban areas.” In addition to being a finalist in the Sustainable Bus Awards, the Kendo CNG was a winner in the Big See Product Design Awards 2021, which recognises outstanding design across manufacturers in south-east Europe. https://www.isuzu.com.tr/en/bus/ intercity/kendo-13
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Rural Volvo 7900e electric fleet for west Scotland deploys Opp Charge
THE UK’s first fleet of six full electric buses serving rural communities has been launched by SP Energy Networks and Stagecoach West Scotland. Five of the six new Volvo electric buses were funded by £2million from SP Energy Networks’ £20million Green Economy Fund and will operate on a Stagecoach West Scotland route connecting villages along the Irvine Valley with Kilmarnock town centre. Due to the length of the rural bus route, this project will be the first in Scotland to introduce opportunity charging where buses are recharged on-route, rather than charging overnight using Scotland’s first ‘pantograph’ charging point at Kilmarnock bus station. Stagecoach West Scotland’s new zero-emission buses are estimated to save around 680tonnes
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of CO2 emissions annually. Using 300kW opportunity charging, a full day’s service with a daily distance of up to 270 miles will be covered per vehicle. Frank Mitchell, CEO, SP Energy Networks, says: “As Scotland continues to restart its economy and create jobs, we want to ensure East Ayrshire remains on track to becoming one of Scotland’s cleanest, greenest and most climateresilient regions. “Stagecoach’s six electric buses and charging hub are key to delivering electric transport in the region. Using the innovative work taking place in Kilmarnock as a blueprint for the first zero-emissions buses serving rural communities, we can work together to build a healthier and greener Scotland, as well as enhancing the public transport experience for
local people.” Fiona Doherty, managing director, Stagecoach West Scotland, says: “Traditionally electric buses have only ever been used on urban routes and this is a fantastic opportunity for Stagecoach and its partners to show that fully electric vehicles can be used across more challenging, non-urban routes. “The introduction of the new opportunity charge buses across Kilmarnock further cements our commitment to meet the requirements of the Scottish Government and East Ayrshire Council’s climate change strategies. There is no other comparable project in the UK with other electric vehicle routes either on urban or low mileage rural routes.” www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/ green_economy_fund.aspx
August 2021
green BYD wins third order from EMT Madrid
EMT Madrid has placed a third fleet order with BYD comprising 20 12m eBuses which will take its total BYD fleet to 65. EMT Madrid’s latest eBuses have an upgraded interior layout including a new handrail arrangement to accommodate increased standing-passenger capacity, and new MirrorEye technology which replaces the vehicle’s external mirrors. This latest order follows two previous fleet intakes totalling 45 BYD eBuses which have entered service over the past 12-months ahead of the agreed delivery August 2021
schedule. This existing BYD fleet has since May 2020 completed more than 600,000 electric kilometres on routes in the Spanish capital, cutting CO2 emissions by 585tonnes, according to the manufacturer. The 20 new BYD eBuses will be manufactured at BYD’s European production facility in Komárom, Hungary, with deliveries scheduled to start at the end of this year. BYD has now delivered over 70 eBuses to public transport operators throughout Spain, together having completed in excess of 4.5 million electric kilometres and
there are more than 700 BYD 12m eBuses in Europe. “For several years now, EMT has pursued a clear electrification strategy,” says Carlos Sierra, director of transport services, EMT. “This latest purchase allows us to operate a total of 179 electric buses, which account for 8.6 per cent of the whole fleet. EMT is committed to pursuing the implementation of electric bus technology and we now operate 11 electric bus routes across the city of Madrid.” www.byd.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Alexander Dennis in Australian electric bus agreement with Nexport
A L E X A N DER Dennis has announced a supply agreement to bring a range of zero emission buses to the Australian market. Under the agreement, Nexport, an Australian-owned supplier and producer of electric buses, will assemble bodies from the Enviro family on BYD chassis for the local market. Nexport will also lead the customer sales and service relationship. The supply agreement will bring a range of new locallyassembled electric bus products, providing bus types that are currently not available to local bus operators in Australia. The first of the range released will include a 9.7m electric city bus as well
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as 11.6m and 12.5m models. The first buses are targeted to be on the road in early 2022 with volume production to be underway by the end of that year. Paul Soubry, president and chief executive officer of ADL parent company NFI, says: “We continue to look for innovative ways to lead the evolution to zero-emission mobility around the world and this strategic partnership between ADL and Nexport will help further support that evolution in the southern hemisphere. “Our electric buses and coaches have seen strong growth in numerous markets and through this partnership, our electric vehicles will now be available in five coun-
tries, with plans for further geographic expansion in the near future through ADL.” Paul Davies, president and managing director, ADL, adds: “We are delighted to be partnering with Nexport in the Australian market as we believe that our globally-renowned buses can help deliver the country’s decarbonisation agenda. “This agreement with Nexport fits perfectly with our model of manufacturing close to our customers, supporting highly skilled local jobs and developing skills in green technology while adding value to local economies”. www.alexander-dennis.com www.nexport.com.au
August 2021
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Climate change planning for West Midlands transport future A wide-ranging plan is being drawn up to guide and direct investment and development of the West Midlands region’s transport network to meet the challenges of climate change, population growth and traffic congestion. Emerging technology and innovation such as new types of bus services and smart travel apps are set to play a major role in the way transport works for areas like the West Midlands. The plan, in development, will also look to build on changes seen during the coronavirus pandemic – such as the growth in cycling and walking or reduction in peak-time five-days a week commuting. Transport for West Midlands has launched a discussion paper, Reimagining Transport in the West Midlands, which sets out the challenges faced by the region and highlights some opportunities for the future of the transport system.
The paper outlines how a major shift to cleaner technology, more sustainable transport and options and changes in travel behaviour and lifestyles will will be needed if the 2041 net-zero target is to be met over the next 20 years. The new plan sets out five motives for change; sustaining economic success, creating a fairer society, becoming more active, supporting local communities and places and tackling the climate emergency. Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, says: “In recent years we have seen unprecedented investment going into our tram, rail, bus and cycling networks. And we are now beginning to see the results on the ground with cycle hire docking stations in our towns and cities, major engineering works on our Black Country, Eastside, and Westside Metro extensions, and the re-opening of the Camp Hill and Walsall to Wolverhampton railway lines. But we have a long way to go to make up for historic
under-investment. “This new plan sets out how we’re going to do that, whilst also ensuring we make the most of new technologies and the phenomenal innovation that is happening right here in our region. From our 5G testbed to the Future Transport Zone, not only can we continue to invest billions of pounds in public transport, but also help tackle climate change and create jobs in the process. “We know how critical strong transport links are, and at the heart of our plan is an ambition to continue to provide better connectivity to left-behind communities to help everyone have the same chances in life.” Reimagining Transport in the West Midlands is available for download and the consultation runs until 27 August. Responses will feed into the development of a draft plan to be issued early in 2022. www.wmca.org.uk
Ebusco electric buses for Gooi and Vecht region of The Netherlands
EBUSCO is to supply the first composite, electric buses in The Netherlands. Transdev Nederland has ordered 39 Ebusco 3.0 buses for city and intercity routes in the Gooi and Vecht region. Transdev Nederland will operate the 39 buses from April 2022 onwards which will travel an average of 110,000 km per year. Ebusco says its 3.0 bus is 100%
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sustainable since it is made from composite instead of steel which means it is 25 per cent lighter than regular city and intercity buses giving it lower energy consumption and a claimed range of 575km on a single charge. Each bus is estimated to reduce CO₂ pollution by approximately 1 kg per km driven which should lead to a reduction of more than 30
million kg CO₂ over the contract period. The Ebusco 3.0 has been produced in Deurne in The Netherlands. The Ebusco 3.0 prototype was introduced in October 2019 and Transdev Nederland will be the first to put it into service in its home country. www.ebusco.com
August 2021
green Significant annual CO2 savings from pair of eCitaros in Augsburg TWO Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses have covered a combined 200,000km for Egenberger bus company, saving more than 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions over one year of operation on the 506e line of the Augsburger Verkehrs-und Tarifverbund (AVV) public transport network. Mirko Sgodda, head of sales, marketing and customer services, Daimler Buses: “Together with our long-term customer and partner Egenberger, we are extremely pleased about the very good performance of the eCitaro, in particular as it is used on a 20km-long regional bus route. This represents a further major step in the changeover of public transport to eMobility.” The t wo reg u lar-ser v ice buses are used on a 20-km-long regional bus route with 21 bus
stops including the terminus stops at Augsburg’s University Hospital with its university campus and the Zusmarshausen school centre. The batteries of each bus have a capacity of 292kWh which get charged both at the terminus stops as well as by means of intermediate charging along the route. Subsidised by the German federal government and the State of Bavaria, this project is limited in time until 2026. The eCitaro buses are used in
alternation with a Citaro hybrid, and the latter not only covers the slightly longer 506 line which follows an almost identical route, but also serves as the basis for comparison. The Egenberger bus company is third generation family-run company in Augsburg and also operates tourist travel and a bus rental service. The majority of the fleet of more than 70 buses are Mercedes-Benz vehicles. www.daimler.com
New E-Mobility appointment at EvoBus FOLLOWING the launch of the full-electric MercedesBenz eCitaro, EvoBus (UK) has appointed Neil Gladstone as E-mobility manager, taking over responsibility for the launch and sale of the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro. Gladstone brings to the role more than five years’ retail sales experience in the coach market and additional experience within the UK bus sector in aftersales. EvoBus (UK)director of sales, Jonathan Prime, says: “With Neil’s previous experience, he fits seamlessly into the E-mobility role. August 2021
“His broad product knowledge and in-depth understanding of the needs of the industry enable him to work closely with customers, infrastructure providers and our network partners to firmly estab-
lish the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro in the UK and Irish markets. We have great confidence in both him and the product as we look to build for the future.”
www.mercedes-benz-bus.com
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OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Mass rapid transit plans for Herts
THE proposed HertfordshireEssex Rapid Transit (HERT) is designed to provide a new sustainable transport link, connecting Hertfordshire to West Essex. It is being planned in response to the fact that over the next 15 years, the county is forecasting more than 100,000 new jobs and more than 100,000 new homes to meet local needs. As a result, there will be an increased demand on schools, health and social care and the already congested road and rail network. The HERT will comprise an east-west transport corridor
which is seen as critical in supporting current and future travel across Hertfordshire and into Essex, since it already experiences significant traffic congestion and poor journey time reliability due to the reliance on cars. Last year, the county council declared a climate emergency, and the HERT aims to create a cleaner and more env ironmenta l ly sustainable county by encouraging people out of their cars. The HERT will be a Mass Rapid Transit system – the first of its kind in Hertfordshire - and one of the key features of the project
will be the development of transport hubs, connecting planned cycling and walking routes to the HERT network. “Sustainable travel is one of the most important aspects of our plans to create a greener Hertfordshire, and investment in this new transport initiative to connect West Hertfordshire to West Essex marks a clear step forward in achieving our ambitions,” says Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire county council and chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board. www.hertfordshiregrowthboard.com
National Grid backs first electric bus for Warwickshire WARWICKSHIRE has its first full-electric, zero-emission bus thanks to a partnership between National Grid and Stagecoach. National Grid has contracted Stagecoach to run the electric bus on a dedicated service for its staff between Leamington town centre, the rail station, and the National Grid site at Warwick Technology Park. Stagecoach have been contracted to operate the contract for five years. The Yutong electric bus takes around four hours to charge and can then run up to 370km before recharging. The bus will cover 50,000km a year on the route. Mark Whitelocks, managing director, Stagecoach Midlands, says: “We are delighted to be working with National Grid to provide the first fully-electric
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bus for Warwickshire and continue helping National Grid and our region travel more sustainably. We are committed to developing this further in the coming years, with our involvement in the Coventry all-electric bus town project, which will have wider benefits across Warwickshire.” Lorna McAtear, UK f leet manager at National Grid, adds: “National Grid has an impor-
tant role in enabling the rollout of future clean transport, so it’s important we keep leading the way with our own transport and fleet. “It’s great to have Warwickshire’s first electric bus at National Grid, so we can encourage and support colleagues to reduce their impact on the environment too.” www.stagecoachbus.com
August 2021
green BYD ADL partnership signs framework agreement with Ireland’s NTA for up to 200 electric single-decks
ALEXANDER Dennis and BYD UK have signed a framework agreement with the National Transport Authority of Ireland for the delivery of up to 200 BYD ADL Enviro200EV zero emission battery-electric buses. An initial firm order for 45 buses was agreed at the same time, with delivery commencing in 2022. The single supplier framework agreement with the NTA will run for up to five years and covers the delivery of single-deck longlength battery-electric buses. ADL is primary contractor for the BYD ADL partnership’s first contract in Ireland as well as the largest order for zero emission buses in the country to date. ADL’s body engineers have worked with their colleagues at BYD to tailor the BYD ADL August 2021
Enviro200EV to the specific needs of the NTA and its operators. This has resulted in a vehicle that will be 12m long and can be specified in several configurations to suit different operational requirements, including a version with two doorways, a wheelchair space and a dedicated area for the accommodation of at least one unfolded pram, pushchair or buggy. The first 45 buses are expected to commence delivery in 2022 for services in Athlone and the Dublin metropolitan area. Anne Graham, National Transport Authority CEO says: “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 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.” Paul Davies, ADL president and managing director, adds: “This new agreement for up to 200 zero emission buses is further testament to our customer focus which is exemplified in our ability to tailor vehicle specifications to operational requirements. Together with our existing agreement for up to 600 zero emission capable Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid buses, we are honoured to be playing a key role in the rollout of zero emission mobility in Ireland.” www.alexander-dennis.com www.byd.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Scottish Government’s £50m of additional funding for zero emission buses from BYD ADL
A LE X A NDER Dennis welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of the first £50million phase of a new Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB). The fund replaces previous funding streams and is designed to encourage the market to implement new ways to finance and deploy zero emission buses. ScotZEB builds on the success of the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS), which has enabled bus operators to order a total of 207 electric buses from the BYD ADL partnership over two funding rounds awarded in September 2020 and March 2021.
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ScotZEB was unveiled by transport minister Graeme Dey at the Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, which brings together senior leaders from the energy, bus and finance sectors to co-design a pathway to a fully decarbonised bus fleet. Dey says: “The Scottish Government has come to the table with an evolved offer for zero emission bus funding – building on the experience of previous schemes and designed in a way that maximises opportunities to attract sustainable financing and encourage innovative ways of doing so. £50 million is available in 2021 to help drive a green recovery, responding to the global climate emergency
and to helping to improve air quality.” ADL president & managing director, Paul Davies, adds: “The Scottish Government continues to lead the way in funding cleaner, greener buses. We look forward to working with bus operators and the energy and finance sectors to ensure the benefits of this funding are felt across communities in Scotland. “Investment in local supply chains such as our production of electric and hydrogen buses in Falkirk will underpin Scottish skilled jobs and apprenticeships that are vital for the transition to Net Zero.” www.alexander-dennis.com
August 2021
green Go-Ahead strategy to become fully carbon neutral by 2045
THE Go-Ahead Group has sets out a new strategy to achieve a 75 per cent cut in emissions by 2035, and becoming a fully carbon neutral company by 2045. The company claims that its targets are the most ambitious in the industry and will be achieved through a combination of investment in zero-carbon technology, a crackdown on waste and a significant increase in reuse and recycling of materials. Submitted to the Science Based Targets Initiative for ratification, Go-Ahead says the timetable is in keeping with an overall mission set under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050. Changes to Go-Ahead’s business will be accompanied by initiatives to encourage active travel, and the company has called on the government to encourage a shift from car use to walking, cycling and public August 2021
transport. At the heart of Go-Ahead’s strategy will be a wholesale shift in technology from diesel power to zero-carbon modes, including electric and hydrogen power. David Brown, chief executive, Go-Ahead Group, says: “Climate change is the number one challenge facing society and in order to address it, we must make radical changes to the way we travel. If we’re serious about protecting the health of our planet, then businesses such as Go-Ahead must show leadership. “Our climate change plan is ambitious but deliverable, and is consistent with international goals of limiting any increase in global temperature to 1.5°C. We will play our part by decarbonising our business and by investing in environmentally sustainable technology. We hope our commitment will be matched by a broader shift
in public policy on transport by encouraging people to walk or cycle where possible, use buses and trains as an alternative but only use a car if absolutely necessary.” One initiative which will move forward this summer is the implementation of ‘bus to grid’ energy at Northumberland Park depot in north London. This project, in partnership with SSE Enterprise, BYD, Leeds University and UK Power Networks, will turn the bus depot into a virtual power station, with electric batteries from buses able to feed energy back into the grid at times of high demand. Northumberland Park is the largest electric bus depot in Europe. An initial trial will use batteries from 28 double-deck buses, capable of returning over a megawatt of energy to the grid. www.go-ahead.com
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green
OUR PICK OF THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUS AND COACH SECTOR
Pelican welcomes Scottish boost for electric bus investment PELICA N Engineering has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of the first £50million phase of a new Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB). ScotZEB builds on the success of the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS) which has enabled bus operators to order a total of 61 zero emission urban buses and inter urban buses from Pelican over two funding rounds awarded in September 2020 and March 2021. Pelican has already commenced deliveries of these vehicles into Scotland, with the whole fleet expected to be in operation by September.
Ian Downie, head of Pelican Yutong, says: “The new phase of the ScotZEB fund is critical to delivering more zero emission fleets of the world’s leading passenger EV vehicles. The 61 new
vehicles for Scotland are fitted with market leading battery capacity and, therefore, driving range, supplemented with lower running costs and unrivalled warranty as standard.”
www.pelican-eng.co.uk
Cummins testing hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine
CUMMINS has begun testing a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine. The proof-ofconcept test is designed to assess new power solutions to help customers meet the energy and environmental needs of the future. “Cummins is thrilled about the potential of the hydrogen engine to reduce emissions and provide power and performance for customers,” says Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of the engine segment, Cummins. “We are using all new engine platforms equipped with the latest technologies to improve power density, reduce friction and improve thermal efficiency, allowing us to avoid the typi-
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cal performance limitations and efficiency compromises that are associated with converting diesel or natural gas engines over to hydrogen fuel. “We have made significant technological advancements and will continue moving forward. We are optimistic about bringing this solution to market.” Following the proof-of-concept testing, the company plans to evaluate the engine in a variety of on- and off-highway applications, supporting its efforts to accelerate the decarbonisation of commercial vehicles. “The hydrogen engine program can potentially expand the technology options available to achieve
a more sustainable transport sector, complementing our capabilities in hydrogen fuel cell, battery electric and renewable natural gas powertrains,” adds Jonathon White, vice-president of engine business engineering. The hydrogen engines can use green hydrogen fuel, produced by Cummins-manufactured electrolysers, emitting near zero CO2 emissions through the tailpipe and near zero levels of NOx. Cummins is investing across a range of technologies to support hydrogen-based transportation including hydrogen engines, fuel cells, electrolysers and storage tanks. www.cummins.com
August 2021
green Volvo offers ‘useable energy commitment’ for electric bus operators
VOLVO Buses is now offering a ‘useable energy commitment’ as part of a business solution for electric bus operations. Under the commitment, Volvo Buses will guarantee capacity for an agreed amount of energy for the operation – throughout the contract period. “Reliable operation has very little to do with maximising battery capacity, which is expensive and resource-intensive,” says Maria Wedenby, city mobility director, Volvo Buses. “Uptime is paramount in public transport, and standstills are costly, so from both business and sustainability points of view it’s better to optimise the capacity of the energy August 2021
storage system. We have increased our useable energy capacity, helping cities to electrify more and longer routes in their transportation systems.” Volvo Buses’ useable energy commitment requires an analysis of the traffic operation, undertaken jointly by Volvo and the operator. Climate, average speed, passenger load and charging strategy are parameters that determine the amount of energy that needs to be stored on board the bus. Optimising energy storage is part of Volvo Buses’ ambition to build circular, sustainable systems for electrified public transport. “For several years now we have been conducting full Life Cycle
Assessments for our buses,” adds Wedenby. “They cover environmental impact, usage of materials and resources all the way from raw materials to re-use and recycling. Our useable energy commitment is a vital ingredient. “In fact, our customers’ daily operations become part of a longterm sustainability work, when we together define and optimise the storage of energy needed for the operations. “At Volvo Buses, we make sure this will continue to work – throughout the operational contract period. That’s the essence of our useable energy commitment.” www.volvobuses.com
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news
McGill’s to operate first of new FlixBus routes to Scotland
FLIXBUS is expanding its UK services to ten new destinations, including its first two stops in Scotland. The company now has more than 60 routes across 36 cities in the UK and the latest expansion takes in Bath, Chesterfield, Chippenham, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leamington Spa, Newcastle, Reading and Sunderland. The London-Scotland route is a new addition to the network and will be operated by McGill’s, based in the west of Scotland. Andreas Schorling, managing director FlixBus UK, says: “We’ve had a fantastic start of operations and have really enjoyed enabling people to travel again in these last three months. This is a great time for people in the UK to discover
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their own country and do so sustainably travelling by coach. Our new offer includes even more cities, and our modern coaches serve the existing destinations more frequently. We are especially excited to travel even further afield and expand to Scotland.” Ja mes Easda le, chairman, McGill’s Group, adds: “We are delighted to be entering into partnership with FlixBus to deliver their very first route from Scotland down to London. This is McGill’s first move into long-distance bus travel and we have assembled a team of highly experienced long distance express drivers and invested substantially in new Volvo 9700 coaches for the service. “FlixBus is a huge brand that
is synonymous with intercity bus travel in Europe and the United States and everyone at McGill’s is looking forward to working to build their presence in Scotland and the rest of the UK.” McGill’s has taken delivery of two Volvo 9700 PSVAR coaches to operate the new express services. The delivery is the first UK sale of the new 9700 for Volvo Bus UK. “The last time I operated high quality long haul coaches between Scotland, London and Europe, it was exclusively on Volvo chassis,” says Ralph Roberts, CEO, McGill’s Group. “That was a very successful experience and I look forward to this being the same.” www.flixbus.co.uk www.mcgills.co.uk
August 2021
news
New asset finance company focused on zero emission buses
WRIGHTBUS owner Jo Bamford has launched a new asset finance company focused on funding zeroemission buses. The new company, Fuze, is headed up by Ben Werth, who joins from Mistral Group where he was group sales director. Fuze is set to operate exclusively within the zero emission PCV sector, and will design, deliver and finance the transition to a zeroemission fleet by offering funding on the vehicles, infrastructure, fuel - either hydrogen or electric, as well as a repair and maintenance package. Werth says: “Jo and everyone who works at Wrightbus know that government grants alone are not enough for bus operators to meet their own publicly stated zero emission targets. “There are many moving parts within the transition to net zero. To achieve this a collaborative partnership approach between manufacturers, funders and bus operators is required. FUZE, by being a specialised zero-emission focused asset finance company, is an integral part of this process. “Working in collaboration with sister companies RYZE hydrogen and Wrightbus we have developed a total cost of ownership model
encompassing the infrastructure, vehicle, fuel and R&M fleet maintenance for the duration of the contract and then distilling this down into a single fixed monthly cost. This is available across the entire Wrightbus range of FCEV and BEV buses, single or double deck, over varying lengths of contracts dependent on the operators’ requirements.” Wrightbus has also announced the appointment of a new managing director, Neil Collins, to run the business alongside executive chairman Jo Bamford and chief executive Buta Atwal. Wrightbus now has more than 600 employees, up from the 50 that
were in post when the business was acquired from administration in 2019. “Wrightbus isn’t just leading the UK in zero emissions transport, it’s leading the world and truly has global ambitions,” says Collins. “My job is to accelerate sales and growth and ensure we always stay ahead of the competition.” Collins joins Wrightbus from Austrian firm Rubble Master, where he was Ireland MD. Before that he worked for Dimplex where he was MD for Northern Ireland before becoming manufacturing director for the Dimplex Group’s heating and ventilation division. www.wrightbus.com
Looking to lease a coach or bus?
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TUI Group partners with megabus to offer tours and activities
TUI Group has reached an agreement to become the exclusive tours and activities partner for megabus. This is the first national coach operator to partner with TUI’s tours and activities division, which has finalised more than 25 partnerships in 2021. Through the partnership, megabus customers can now access hundreds of UK experiences, including London landmarks and a variety of excursions, activities and attraction tickets. Experiences include visiting Edinburgh’s haunted vaults, a river cruise in Oxford, surfing in Newquay, a Doctor Who excursion in Cardiff, and a football tour of the Manchester United or Man-
chester City grounds. “As we emerge from the pandemic, people are looking to explore and make the most of what we have on offer in the UK,” says Mark Venables, megabus managing director. “As well as offering great value, convenient and comfortable coach travel, through the partnership with TUI we can now also provide our customers the opportunity to quickly and easily book a range of great things to do in the UK.” Nishank Gopalkrishnan, chief business officer, TUI Musement, adds: “We are excited to partner with megabus, a much-loved brand in the UK and our first national coach operator partner.
Why smart people buy Compak Parts
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Travel is returning and we look forward to a collaboration that will deliver wonderful experiences for customers. “People want to have new experiences throughout the year, and we are supporting this through our continually growing UK portfolio of things to do, which can be instantly booked online at any time.” Customers can access experiences through their megabus ticket confirmation email or via custom made ‘City Guides’, which recommend activities for specific locations and are available on the megabus website. uk.megabus.com www.tui.com
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August 2021
news
Go-Ahead announces appointment of group chief executive GO-AHEAD has appointed Christian Schreyer as group chief executive with effect from November 2021, succeeding David Brown who is retiring at the end of the year. Schreyer has been working for Transdev since 2014, most recently as CEO North and Central Europe. Prior to Transdev, he worked for more than 15 years for Deutsche Bahn Group in roles including head of corporate strategy, and he was a member of Deutsche Bahn’s mergers and acquisitions
committee. Clare Hollingswor t h, GoAhead Group chairman says: “I am delighted to welcome Christian to Go-Ahead. He joins us at a time when we are responding to the effects of the pandemic, fundamental shifts in government policy but also the opportunity to be part of the solution to climate change and towards Net Zero. While the board looks forward to working with Christian as our new CEO, it renews its thanks to David Brown for the job he has done leading the
group for the last 10 years.” Schreyer adds: “It is a great honour to be appointed to lead Go-Ahead. I have always found Go-Ahead to be a great company with excellent people.” www.go-ahead.com
FlixMobility sets sights on Brazil as the country prepares to deregulate coaches FLIXMOBILITY is continuing its global expansion with plans to enter Brazil at the end of 2021. The country will be opening its bus market for competition and FlixBus is poised to seize the opportunity. André Schwämmlein, FlixBus founder and CEO, says: “We expect that the opening of the Brazilian mobility market will lead to a significant change and many opportunities for innovative play-
the potential of market opening to attract more passengers to sustainable collective travel.” FlixBus has developed a leading long-distance bus network in Europe and became the second biggest player in the United States. Schwämmlein adds: “We see the potential for our affordable, sustainable mobility solutions across the globe, in all countries.”
ers like us. A competitive market offers more choices for customers and leads to more sustainable mobility options and affordable travel. “Since FlixBus has started, many European countries have taken this important step, ultimately improving the overall mobility offer for the customer. “We hope that the remaining countries such as Spain, Greece or Romania will soon recognise
www.flixbus.com
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news
NCT slims down its board in wake of impact of Covid on business
NOTTINGHAM City Transport’s new managing director David Astill has announced key changes to the management team including a number of internal promotions and a slimmed-down board. Engineering director Gary Mason will be retiring from NCT at the end of this calendar year and will be succeeded by Liam O’Brien, the current chief engineer who becomes head of engineering. Marketing director Nicola Tidy will also be stepping down from the board with Anthony CarverSmith, current marketing manager becoming head of marketing. Astill says that in view of the uncertainty over the future shape and size of the business in the postCovid environment, the opportunity is being taken to operate with a slimmed-down board of just three executive directors. The executive board will comprise David Astill as managing director, Rob Hicklin
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as the long-standing finance director and deputy managing director, and Ben Potgieter, currently head of HR, as HR director. “These alterations represent the biggest change in two decades to a very stable management team at NCT,” says Astill. Whilst it is a
big step, it is actually the culmination of an evolutionary process. I am particularly pleased that these three promotions demonstrate this company’s ethos of nurturing and developing its own staff as preparation for more senior roles.” www.nctx.co.uk
August 2021
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