ADL Enviro500EV CHARGE: the DD electric bus for North America (without BYD)
Alexander Dennis has unveiled its first zero-emissions double deck bus for North America. The Enviro500EV CHARGE for North America, 13.7-meter long, is an outcome of the takeover of the UK-based manufacturer by NFI Group, as the vehicle joins NFI portfolio of zero emission buses. The ‘CHARGE’ word in the denomination which associates it with New Flyer […]
Alexander Dennis has unveiled its first zero-emissions double deck bus for North America. The Enviro500EV CHARGE for North America, 13.7-meter long, is an outcome of the takeover of the UK-based manufacturer by NFI Group, as the vehicle joins NFI portfolio of zero emission buses.
The ‘CHARGE’ word in the denomination which associates it with New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE range, recently launched in a new version, (as well as MCI and ARBOC products, launched this year in the framework of a group’s effort towards electrification with four product launches in Q1 and Q2). It is also the first electric bus made by ADL out of the joint venture with Chinese giant BYD, as in the UK ADL e-buses are equipped with BYD drivetrain and battery technology.
When we acquired ADL in May 2019, we knew that ADL’s strong international growth agenda and double deck bus platform would mean an exciting road ahead—today’s launch brings together both of these elements. At NFI, we are leading the evolution to zero-emission mobility – Leading the ZEvolution, as we like to call it – and ADL is a central part of our continued leadership and innovation
Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI
82 passenger on board of the ADL Enviro 500EV CHARGE
Like all NFI double deck buses for North America, the 45-foot (13.7-meter) Enviro500EV CHARGE features panoramic views, low-floor entry, reclined seating, overhead reading lights and air vents, USB ports, and Wi-Fi and multimedia capability—but its main feature is its high passenger capacity, with up to 82 seats, including 53 on the upper deck.
It also features several industry firsts, including full independent front suspension for a smoother and more comfortable ride, and an integrated electric drive system tailored to the requirements of North American transit agencies. Being more specific, the drivetrain is up to an electric portal axle with hub motors with 2×125kW peak power output (specifications that correspond – although not explicitly mentioned – to that of the ZF AxTrax, being ZF already partner of New Flyer). The drive and auxiliary axles have been switched with power supplied at the third axle.
648 kWh on the Enviro500EV CHARGE
When it comes to battery capacity, 648 kWh of energy storage is provided by batteries that are integrated in the chassis and the rear of the vehicle for a low center of gravity and great stability. These are fed through industry standard CCS1 charging points available on the left or the right side of the bus. Gantry charging is an option.
The system includes an electric heat pump to provide both heating and cooling, which minimizes the amount of energy required and increases range capability of the fully air-conditioned Enviro500EV CHARGE. A stylish new dashboard features an economy gauge and halo color to immediately give drivers prominent feedback on how economically they are operating the bus.
The Enviro500EV CHARGE forms part of NFI’s range of zero-emission buses and coaches. The CHARGE line-up includes New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG and Xcelsior CHARGE H2, MCI’s J4500 CHARGE and D45 CRT LE CHARGE, and the ARBOC Equess CHARGE. The Enviro500 EV CHARGE is Buy America-compliant, and Altoona testing is scheduled to start later this year. NFI is the only operator in North America to offer battery-electric, fuel cell-electric and electric trolleys, the company points out.
A well-lit staircase with conveniently positioned handrails, wide entrance and wide exit doors, a 1-in-6 mobility ramp, unobstructed isles with sculpted handrails, mobility devices, and fully flat floor through to the rear seating ensure outstanding accessibility.
Enviro500EV CHARGE, a new add at the Enviro family
“Today marks the very first launch of an ADL vehicle at our Vehicle Innovation Center, and we are excited to have an ADL zero-emission bus join our line-up for North America,” said Paul Soubry, President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI. “When we acquired ADL in May 2019, we knew that ADL’s strong international growth agenda and double deck bus platform would mean an exciting road ahead—today’s launch brings together both of these elements. At NFI, we are leading the evolution to zero-emission mobility – Leading the ZEvolution, as we like to call it – and ADL is a central part of our continued leadership and innovation.”
“The Enviro family is the world’s best-selling double deck bus, with over 18,000 sold around the globe,” said Paul Davies, President and Managing Director, ADL. “Today we add a milestone as we unveil our first ever battery-electric, three-axle, high-capacity double deck bus designed specifically for the North American market. We are very excited by the positive feedback already received from transit agencies who have trialed this vehicle and look forward to delivering zero-emission service with our double decks across North America.”
Steve Walsh, Vice President of Alexander Dennis Inc., said: “There is no better or more sustainable way to move large numbers of passengers than the Enviro500EV CHARGE. 45 feet long, 2 decks, up to 82 seats, 648kWh of energy storage, and equally at home cruising at highways or in downtown city streets, it takes zero-emission mobility to an entirely new level.”
