Alexander Dennis, a part of the NFI Group, has recently announced that Reading Buses, a UK operator, has placed orders for new buses. In total, Reading Buses will be receiving 24 zero-emission buses and 29 low-emission buses. The highlight of the order is the 24 Enviro400EV electric buses, which are the next-generation double-decker model. These buses will mark the operator’s first foray into electric buses and are set to revolutionize their fleet.
The Enviro400EV buses are equipped with the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) and feature high-performance batteries that can store up to 472kWh of energy. These buses have been tested to Zemo Partnership standards in the UK and have achieved remarkable energy efficiency. In fact, they offer a guaranteed energy yield of 1.6 GWh over eight years, making them a sustainable choice for Reading Buses.
The new buses will be deployed on routes 17 and 21 in Reading, helping to eliminate local exhaust emissions in the area. With the ability to run for a full day on these services, the buses will be charged at the Reading Buses depot, which will be upgraded with fast chargers. Reading Buses’ CEO, Robert Williams, expressed his satisfaction with the new buses, highlighting their customer-friendly design and positive feedback from drivers.
In addition to the electric buses, Reading Buses has also invested in 29 low-emission Alexander Dennis buses. These include double-decker Enviro400s for longer routes and single-deck Enviro200s for local services. The new buses will feature SmartPack efficiency technology to reduce exhaust and carbon emissions, aligning with Reading Buses’ commitment to sustainability.
Mark Taylor, Regional Sales Manager for Alexander Dennis, praised Reading Buses for their investment in next-generation electric buses. He emphasized the energy efficiency and operational cost savings that the Enviro400EV buses will bring to the operator. With this order, Reading Buses is taking a significant step towards zero-emission technology and environmental sustainability.
Overall, the partnership between Alexander Dennis and Reading Buses highlights the growing trend towards electric propulsion in public transport. As more operators invest in clean energy solutions, the future of bus transportation looks promising. The addition of the Enviro400EV buses to Reading Buses’ fleet is a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.