Bus operator Transdev Blazefield has launched the first of 19 zero-emission Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double deckers to run on its Harrogate Bus Company 36 route.
With departures up to every ten minutes on the 27-mile route between Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon, the Enviro400EV vehicles are fitted with roof-mounted charging rails to allow their 472kWh batteries be topped up by pantograph during layovers at Harrogate bus station.
The need for additional energy will however be kept to a minimum due to the Enviro400EV’s driveline powered by the heavy-duty Voith Electrical Drive System.
Seats are arranged in a two plus one configuration on the upper deck, with reclining single seats angled inwards alongside expanded window ledges and armrests.
The buses include bespoke flooring, USB and wireless mobile device charging and latest audio-visual passenger information systems including displays facing the two wheelchair bays.
Through its partner North Yorkshire Council, Transdev Blazefield received funding towards the purchase of its new vehicle from the first round of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme (ZEBRA 1).
Transdev Blazefield is the second operator to take delivery of next-generation Alexander Dennis electric buses, and the first to employ them on a service with long stretches of interurban running at higher speeds.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said: “Our Enviro400EV is excellently suited to the interurban nature of this service, with our heavy-duty driveline perfectly matched to the requirements of route 36, delivering the power required whilst offering the efficiency needed to comfortably cover high daily mileages.”
