Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., a leading global bus manufacturer, has secured an order from English bus operator Reading Buses for 24 zero-emission and 29 low-emission vehicles.
The order includes 24 next-generation Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double deckers, marking the operator’s first foray into electric buses.
These cars, powered by the Voith Electrical Drive System and equipped with high-performance batteries, are the result of a successful bid with Reading Borough Council for funding from the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas scheme (ZEBRA 2).
Scheduled to enter service in 2025 on routes 17 and 21, the Enviro400EV buses will eliminate local exhaust emissions.
Charging will take place at the Reading Buses depot, which will be equipped with 13 fast chargers.
Reading Buses CEO, Robert Williams, praised the layout and performance of the Enviro400EV, stating that it offers the best customer experience and impressed drivers during testing.
In addition to the zero-emission vehicles, Reading Buses is investing in 29 low-emission cars, including 21 Enviro400 double deckers for longer-distance routes and eight Enviro200 single deckers for the local Newbury & District fleet.
These, to be delivered later this year, will utilize SmartPack efficiency technology to reduce exhaust and carbon emissions.
Mark Taylor, Regional Sales Manager for Alexander Dennis, expressed delight in welcoming Reading Buses as a customer for their next-generation electric buses and highlighted the energy efficiency and longevity of the Enviro400EV.
The new vehicles will allow Reading Buses to redeploy its current fleet of Enviro400CBG biogas buses on other routes, replacing some of the company’s oldest diesel buses.
This investment underscores Reading Buses’ commitment to sustainable transport and its partnership with Alexander Dennis in providing clean, efficient, and reliable buses for the community.
