BYD–Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV fleet with National Express’ livery to exceed 300 in West Midlands

Alexander Dennis and BYD UK electric vehicle partnership has taken a firm order from National Express West Midlands for a further 170 double deck electric buses, to be delivered by the end of 2024. Such investment was already announced by the operator earlier this year. Now it has been announced that they’ll be manufacturer by Alexander Dennis – BYD joint venture.

The new order will take the number of BYD AD Enviro400EV buses operated by National Express in the West Midlands to 329. The fleet, which will be the largest of the type in the UK, includes an earlier order for 130 buses that are part of the UK Government’s ambitions to make Coventry the country’s first All-Electric Bus City by 2025.

Over half of the 130 BYD AD Enviro400EV buses ordered are already operating on National Express bus routes across Coventry.

National Express to have zero emission bus fleet by 2030

The continued investment is part of National Express delivering on its commitment to have a completely zero-emission bus fleet in the UK by 2030. The electricity to power the electric vehicles will be 100% renewable and zero carbon.

Tom Stables, CEO National Express UK & Germany, said: “Replacing our diesel buses with electric means we are on track to meet net zero in a way that is good for business and good for communities. These new British buses, built in Falkirk by Alexander Dennis on a BYD chassis, are clean, green double decker buses that are popular with customers. As a result, they are not only more economical to run but they will boost passenger growth and revenue by getting more people to ditch their cars for the bus; and of course they do their bit to help tackle the climate and clean air emergency.”

Alexander Dennis Group Commercial Director, Martin West, said: “At Alexander Dennis, we are proud to lead the charge with solutions that move hearts and minds. We are excited to help National Express deliver its ambitious plans in support of the West Midlands’ target to become a zero-carbon region by 2041. This repeat order from National Express will create the largest fleet of BYD AD Enviro400EV electric double deck buses in the country and shows the gathering pace of the transition to zero-emission mobility.”

Frank Thorpe, Managing Director, BYD UK, said: “This is yet another considerable electric bus order and we are delighted to support National Express as it continues to make significant headway in replacing its diesel bus fleets with clean electric alternatives. Through our partnership with Alexander Dennis, we combine our niche areas of expertise, including BYD’s world-leading battery technology to bring safe, reliable, non-polluting solutions to make public bus services more sustainable, and ever more appealing to a broader range of passengers.”