TAILORED to meet New Zealand’s reduced Road User Charges thanks to lower axle loads, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has delivered Auckland Transport’s first three-axle BYD-chassis Enviro200EV XLB, recently.
The NFI Group Inc. owned ADL says its BYD-based Enviro200EV XLB is, “…a further evolution of the successful combination of ADL’s expertise in tailoring buses to transport authorities and operators’ requirements with BYD’s battery technology.”
The zero-emission three-axle 12.6m-long vehicle joins the Auckland Transport fleet with a total passenger capacity of 78. The bus will be evaluated on different services in New Zealand’s largest city via trials supported by energy supplier Mercury, ADL confirms.
Up to 36 passengers can be seated while two wheelchair spaces provided are accessed via a manual ramp at the front door, the company explains.
Additionally, the bus will be fully supported by ADL’s local aftermarket team providing, “…highly skilled labour and genuine parts to ensure optimum vehicle performance,” it states.
RUNS ON THE BOARD
ADL’s electric buses in New Zealand have already completed more than one million zero emission kilometres in service, it announced recently. Like its two-axle siblings, the Enviro200EV XLB will be built locally by ADL’s partner Kiwi Bus Builders on a BYD electric chassis, supporting New Zealand’s transition to a decarbonised bus fleet by 2035, the company explains.
ADL general manager in New Zealand Tony Moore said: “The launch of our extra-large electric bus marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Auckland Transport.”
“After bringing the first electric buses to the city in 2018, we now have a zero-emission bus that is fully designed to New Zealand requirements – and is made locally, boosting the economy and supporting skilled jobs.”
Auckland Transport Metro Decarbonisation manager Darek Koper says the introduction of this new three-axle electric bus completes the procurement of the zero-emissions trial bus fleet: “This trial fleet provides a range of options for New Zealand bus operators and it will build operator confidence in new technology.”
“It will also allow them to understand operational requirements and costs to inform future procurement decisions, while supporting the accelerated transition to zero-emission buses in Auckland.
“We are pleased to team up with Mercury and our initial operator, Ritchies, in joining the electric revolution,” he said.
(L-R): Tony Moore, general manager New Zealand, Alexander Dennis; Steve Zahorodny, Bus Fleet Transition specialist, Auckland Transport; and Darek Koper, Metro Decarbonisation manager, Auckland Transport.
MORE CHOICE
Mercury’s Energy Futures manager Buddhika Rajapakse says it was exciting to see cleaner, renewable energy powering Auckland Transport’s fleet: “This is a great way to help Aucklanders to kiss oil goodbye. Auckland Transport’s bus fleet accounts for 93,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per annum – the largest operational carbon footprint in Auckland’s public transport network.”
“By running on 80 per cent renewable electricity, electric buses will provide Aucklanders with more choice in low emissions transport.
“If New Zealand is to take timely action to decarbonise its transport system, we cannot rely on the electrification of private vehicles alone. We must also shift our mindset towards reducing or avoiding travel, active modes such as walking and cycling – and, of course, public transport.
“This is a wonderful next step Auckland Transport is taking to decarbonise our public transport system, and we’re excited to see how the team continue to further their ambitions of a cleaner transport future,” he explained.
Photography: courtesy ADL