Sky staff and visitor shuttle fleet gains battery-electrics
Telecommunications group Sky is working with Alexander Dennis, BYD, Cobra Corporate Services and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach to introduce eight BYD ADL Enviro200EV battery-electric buses to its staff and visitor shuttle services in Edinburgh and London.
Cobra will operate the vehicles on Sky’s behalf. It has chosen Dawsongroup Bus and Coach’s fully supported contract hire solution, allowing Cobra to focus on service delivery. The first two Enviro200EVs entered service between Livingston Campus in Scotland's central belt and public transport hubs on 2 August, while the remaining six will commence operation at Osterley Campus in London on 15 August.
Introduction of the Enviro200EV shuttle fleet for staff and visitors is part of a goal for Sky to become net-zero carbon by 2030. The buses will complete a full day’s work on one charge and replace diesel vehicles previously used.
Says Cobra Corporate Services Director Steve Dowling: “After many months of research, discussions and preparation to ensure that the correct products were used, BYD and ADL are the right choice of electric bus for us to integrate into the Sky Zero strategy.
“The decision to continue the relationship with Dawsongroup and our chosen infrastructure suppliers made all the hard work that much easier. Pooling in knowledge from the industry leaders in bus and charger manufacturing has enabled a confident launch of service delivery as we enter our operations into the world of electrically propelled passenger transport.”
Adds Dawsongroup Bus and Coach Sales Director Fraser Innes: “This has been a fantastic project to be part of, from the early planning to the rollout of the product. We are delighted to have partnered with Cobra Corporate Services in providing this innovative solution for its client and supporting it with the premium service levels required over the years to come.”
Alexander Dennis claims that the Sky project involving battery-electric buses “is the largest of its kind in the country.” The BYD ADL partnership now has over 1,400 zero-emission buses in service or on order across the UK.
Wheely-Safe gains DVSA Recognised accreditation
The latest generation of the Wheely-Safe wheel loss detection system has become one of the first products to be recognised by DVSA via the award of its DVSA Recognised label.
In the format accredited by DVSA, Wheely-Safe combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure warning system. DVSA introduced the DVSA Recognised label earlier in 2022 to enable non-statutory road safety products to be recognised as being “well designed and delivered with genuine potential to improve road safety.”
The latest generation Wheely-Safe equipment is telematics ready, bringing increased opportunity for connectivity and reporting, the supplier notes.
Adds Group Director Gary Thomas: “We founded the business in 2010 with the goal to develop low cost, easy to use and easy to fit, highly durable and extremely effective solutions that can have a real impact on improving road safety.
“The ultimate aim was to end the global issue of wheel loss once and for all, while also tackling wheel and temperature issues – the largest cause of fires in commercial vehicles after the engine.
“We are now well on the way to hitting those targets. Today, our patented sensor technology is being adopted across many areas of road transport – protecting thousands of PSVs and HGVs both in the UK and internationally. To have our products recognised by DVSA is a hugely important step on our journey.”
Manufacturer Spotlight: EVM UK
We catch up with Horsham-based vehicle manufacturer EVM to find out more about sustainability and innovation in the coach and bus industry. Plus, which vehicles they will be showcasing at Euro Bus Expo.
Company name: EVM UK
Year founded: 2010
Headquarters/location: Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex
Main products: Luxury, Electric, Community Transport
Can you tell us more about EVM and what you do?
We’re a dedicated, conscientious and down-to-earth team, individually expert but united by a shared ambition to elevate the passenger experience. We’re building bespoke vehicle solutions so that everyone – from a disabled child on the way to school to a busy senior executive on an airport transfer – can travel easily, in safety, style and comfort.
We do more than just enable drivers to transport people from A to B. Never resting on our laurels, we use our collective ingenuity, the most appropriate technology, and an exemplary level of service to make sure all our customers enjoy the ownership experience, and all their passengers enjoy the journey.
How important is Euro Bus Expo to your business and the industry?
Euro Bus Expo is one of the biggest events in the calendar for us. It’s an event the whole industry looks forward to.
What are you most looking forward to about the show?
Networking and catching up with new and existing customers. After so long it will be nice to see a buzz within the industry again.
Looking ahead, what’s the biggest opportunity for the coach and bus industry in the coming years?
The transition to electric product is an opportunity to elevate the whole industry and the service level it provides to our customers. Our industry is changing, and it presents opportunities for us to expand our offering to our customers.
Can you give us an example of what your business is doing to be even more sustainable?
We plan to be net zero by 2050. We are also focusing on our social and environmental values and to be more aware of our Co2 footprint. For every new vehicle we donate £250 to your local chosen charity as well as the option to plant trees and offset your vehicle carbon footprint. We’re also dedicated to reusing cardboard and recycling metal where we can. As a company, we support local businesses and take part in charity events each year to raise awareness.
How many vehicles in your range are zero-emission?
Our electric models are: Electric Cityline, Electric CM, Novo Citi Volt, Citi Port, E-Elegance. We plan to have the full range of models in electric in the near future.
Do you see battery-electric or hydrogen as the more prominent power source in the future?
The inefficiencies of the whole life cycle of hydrogen are hard to overcome and will find low traction in small form factor vehicles like minibus where BEV has already found much favour. However, as H2 becomes available in true green format and adopted by larger vehicles, the opportunities for smaller vehicles will present themselves also.
How do you think the industry can continue to reduce its carbon footprint?
The continued drive in public tendering to focus on social and environmental issues will drive development towards more sustainable practices. This needs to remain the primary driver.
What’s your current bestseller?
Our Cityline model
What vehicles will you be promoting at the show?
- Grand Tourer 19 + Guide – Coach Built on the Sprinter 519 L3 VS30
- Revolution 29 + Guide PSVAR – Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cowl
- EVM Electric CM – Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cab
- EVM Electric Cityline – Built on the Sprinter 517 L4 H2 VS30
- EVM Luxury Mini Coach
- Isuzu Novo Citi Volt 8m – Electric
- Isuzu Visigo 9.5m
- Grand Toro 8.5m
What new tech should coach and bus operators be looking to invest in?
The BEV Minibus and bus is here now. It’s an extremely well refined product giving between 193 miles and 495 miles depending on model. There is now no excuse for air quality issues in our urban centres.
Why is innovation so vital to the future of the industry?
The world is constantly moving and evolving. It’s important to grow as a business with the new technologies and data that we are surrounded by. Alongside the drive for zero emissions are significant improvements in total cost of ownership and enhanced aftersales thanks to vehicle connectivity. The adoption of our latest range of products and the support we give to them will make your business more efficient.
Visit EVM UK on stand A80 at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham on 1-3 November 2022.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.eurobusxpo.com.