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Alexander Dennis to produce electric bus chassis in the UK
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BYD UK are set to begin the design and assembly of chassis for the BYD ADL partnership’s electric buses for the British market, ensuring completed vehicles are built in ADL’s facilities in the UK.
Until now, chassis for the BYD ADL Enviro200EV single deck and BYD ADL Enviro400EV double deck buses were built by BYD before being delivered to ADL’s facilities to have their bodywork fitted in the UK.
Electric bus chassis assembly will now take place in ADL’s UK facilities with on-the-ground support from the BYD team, and is planned to commence in the second half of 2021.
This significant step has been taken in response to the increasing demand for zero emission vehicles. It further strengthens the partnership’s market-leading position while underpinning jobs in Britain and developing skills in the growing market for clean vehicle technology.
Alexander Dennis will build the ADL BYD partnership electric buses for the British market at facilities in the UK / Picture: ADL
ADL is a subsidiary of the independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. (NFI), while BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility.
Since the partnership began in 2015, over 500 electric buses have been delivered or ordered. More than 70% of electric buses introduced in Britain in this period were supplied by the BYD ADL partnership.
Frank Thorpe, managing director of BYD UK, said: “This news underpins the fantastic relationship we have with ADL in the UK. We have always worked closely to deliver the highest quality products and services, and we are confident that production of complete vehicles here in the UK will bring even greater efficiencies for our customers. More importantly, this commitment from both BYD and ADL is also a reflection of the acceptance of eMobility from local authorities, bus operators and their passengers. Electrification in our towns and cities is gathering pace, and the BYD ADL partnership is spearheading the drive towards a more sustainable future.”
Paul Davies, president & managing director of ADL, added: “I am delighted that we’re moving our electric bus partnership to this next level and building complete zero emission buses for the UK market in the UK. This ensures that investment in sustainable transport for our towns and cities delivers full economic benefits to communities right across the country.”
Electric bus chassis assembly will take place in ADL’s facilities with on-the-ground support from the BYD team / Picture: ADL