UK bus fleets switch to Allison xFE transmissions, mid-lifecycle
UK bus fleets have been busy placing mid-lifecycle orders for Allison xFE transmissions over the summer. Among others, Go Ahead London, Metroline, Tower Transit, Go North East and East Yorkshire Motor Services have upgraded their fully automatic transmissions to save fuel, lower CO2 emissions, enjoy all the benefits of new componentry and the latest software, while recouping their investment and improving overall total cost of ownership.
This initiative by Allison follows a compelling trial by Go Ahead London last year alongside Optare’s release of xFE in 2016.
The benefits of upgrading to an xFE (extra fuel economy) transmission are up to 7.13% fuel saving in urban driving, and up to 16% in rural environments, compared to the incumbent Allison fully automatic transmission. xFE incorporates an improved torque converter lockup clutch enabling 1st gear lock up at low speeds. It works in combination with Allison’s latest FuelSense 2.0 technology, which features Neutral at Stop and coast and DynActive™ Shifting. DynActive™ Shifting employs a real-time learning algorithm that finds the ideal balance of fuel consumption and performance by automatically adjusting the transmission control to the load, speed and topography.
“We have been talking to fleets about the Allison Transmission xFE upgrade programme, preparing them for the decision-making phase when their transmissions are nearing the end of their warranty period or as their buses reach around the halfway point of their expected life” explains Jade Noble, Bus and Coach Market Development Manager at Allison Transmission.
Allison’s xFE upgrade programme affects those fleets running 2100 Series™ Allison transmissions ADL Enviro 200s (2008 onwards); Optare Solos, Versas or Tempos (2012 onwards); and Wrightbus Streetvibes or NuVibes.
The xFE programme has been carefully packaged and priced to make absolute financial sense at a time when fleet operators are looking to save every penny. The transmissions have a two year warranty included, which is extendable to five years. Interested fleets should contact Jade Noble or Allison Authorized channel partners, Mitchells or Powertrain.