33 Alexander Dennis Enviro500EV are set to operate on a wireless-charged BRT in Seattle

Alexander Dennis is ready to introduce its next-generation electric bus technology to North America following its launch in the UK and the Asia-Pacific region in late 2023.

Sound Transit, which provides regional transit in the Seattle metropolitan area, has placed a firm order for 33 zero-emission Enviro500EV buses. The double deckers are scheduled for delivery in 2026 by Alexander Dennis Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Alexander Dennis, and will be built in the United States by Alexander Dennis’s partner Big Rig Manufacturing.

The Stride Enviro500EV will be the first Alexander Dennis in North America using the manufacturer’s next-generation zero-emission technology platform featuring Voith Electrical Drive System with increased energy storage capacity and the North American industry-first use of wireless, inductive on-route charging on double deck buses, via Pennsylvania-based InductEV.

Inductive on-route charging for DD buses in North America

The electric buses will serve the new Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) which Sound Transit is developing along Interstate 405 to link communities north, east and south of Lake Washington to one another and to light rail connections.

Sound Transit today uses a fleet of 50 Enviro500 on express routes operating out of Everett. Double deckers are a firm favourite with Sound Transit passengers. This made them the bus of choice for Stride to give passengers a comfortable ride over the 19-mile S1 and 20-mile S2 routes, where new bus lanes and transit priority improvements will help riders avoid traffic.

Stephen Walsh, Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America, said: “We are excited to once again be working with our long-standing customer Sound Transit in the Puget Sound region who have selected our Enviro500EV with next-generation technology for their new Stride bus rapid transit service. This award highlights the resurging demand for our double deck buses in North America following the relaunch of Buy America-compliant production with Big Rig Manufacturing. The order was placed after we completed extensive route mapping exercises in conjunction with Sound Transit, using automotive-grade modelling to fully understand the operational requirements. This ensures that the Enviro500EV will take Stride in their stride and give riders a smooth journey experience.”