New short-wheelbase Enviro400EV
Alexander Dennis and BYD UK are introducing a shorter version of the Enviro400EV double-deck bus.
More than 450 of the standard 10.8m version have been sold to operators in London and other UK cities and operators will now have the option of a new 10.3m long version. This new length has a wheelbase that has been shortened by 50cm to 5.4m, which benefits manoeuvrability in challenging inner-city routes, such as in London.
BYD’s R&D team based in the UK has developed the new 10.3m chassis, working in collaboration with ADL’s body engineers, to ensure that the battery placement gives optimum weight distribution, while ample power remains available to deliver a full day’s operation.
A demonstrator will be available from the second half of 2021.
“As bus companies across the United Kingdom make the switch to electric buses with support from national and local government, the BYD ADL partnership is preparing to ‘Build it in Britain’ with complete assembly of electric buses in our facilities here in the country, where it will benefit our local communities, develop skills and secure jobs here in the UK,” says Paul Davies, ADL president & managing director.
“The new, short-wheelbase option for our electric double-decker further ensures operators can rely on us to deliver the buses they need, tailored to their requirements and backed up with best-in-class aftermarket support.”