ScotZEB2 extension of scope is welcomed by suppliers
Members of the supply chain have responded positively to diversification of vehicle types and technologies that are provisionally in scope of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB2) challenge fund.
ScotZEB2 is set to capture zero-emission coaches and buses that are used on a wide range of work, including private hire and tourism-related duties, home-to-school transport and community transport in addition to the previous core of registered services. It also indicatively includes support for retrofit of existing vehicles to zero-emission.
Pelican Bus and Coach, which has already supplied a significant number of battery-electric coaches and buses that have benefitted from previous rounds of Scottish Government funding, quickly welcomed the expansion of scope provisionally represented by ScotZEB2.
Head of Yutong Sales Ian Downie says that the Scottish Government should be “applauded” for the move, noting that the services operated by those parts of the industry that are new to zero-emission funding in ScotZEB2 “play a pivotal role in transporting people.”
Battery-electric retrofit suppliers Equipmake and Kleanbus have also welcomed ScotZEB2 provisionally including repower technology. Equipmake has additionally called on the UK government to follow suit with a funding strategy that incentivises the purchase of such buses.
CEO Ian Foley – who has previously advocated repowering – says the approach represents “an important and cost-effective transitionary technology to bridge the gap between diesel and a new electric bus fleet.” Mr Foley adds that the Scottish Government “is to be praised” for the changes it is set to introduce with ScotZEB2.
“We now call on the UK government to outline an electric bus strategy that will see the purchase price of a repowered electric bus incentivised in England and Wales,” he continues, adding that indicative inclusion of repower in the wider scope of ScotZEB2 will potentially permit the “accelerating of Scotland’s transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.”
Kleanbus has taken a similar approach, adding that various finance options further strengthen the case for repower. It claims that such technology can be achieved at 20% of the price of a new battery-electric bus and deliver operating costs that are one-third of those of a comparable diesel. Co-Founder and CEO Joe Tighe says that repower offers a “fast and efficient way towards zero-emission.”
ScotZEB2 will open to bids in spring 2023.
Yutong E9 to grow OEM's UK battery-electric bus line-up
The Yutong battery-electric bus range in the UK is to grow with the introduction of the mid-sized E9 model by dealership Pelican Bus and Coach. It will have a 14,300kg GVW within a length of 8.94m and a width of 2.42m, and come in two-door layout as standard with wheelchair user access at the centre.
The supplier already has orders in hand for the E9, with production having commenced and the first deliveries expected in March 2023. Pelican says the bus is “highly manoeuvrable and ideal for both rural and urban applications,” and that it will also suit demand responsive use. The E9 will sit alongside the existing heavyweight E10 and E12 models.
Fitted to the E9 will be 255kW/h of battery story and the Yutong Electrical Safety System as standard. Maximum passenger capacity will be 62, with air-conditioning part of the specification. A single 120kW motor will provide power and DC charging will be via the industry standard CCS2 protocol.
Head of Yutong sales at Pelican Bus and Coach Ian Downie says: “The introduction of the smaller E9 to our zero-emission portfolio represents an exciting addition. With three different single-deck sizes and the only zero-emission coach in the UK, the Yutong offering provides customers with real choice.
“The size and manoeuvrability of the E9 makes it ideal for a number of applications.”
ADL reveals more about in-house battery-electric range
Alexander Dennis has revealed further details of its work to offer battery-electric buses that are fully designed and integrated in-house. Alongside a new small bus already outlined, it will introduce such a double-deck product. Both are to complement the existing BYD ADL Enviro200EV and Enviro400EV models, which will continue to be sold and supported.
The development brings Alexander Dennis battery-electric products in line with the OEM's established policy of offering its own complete vehicles alongside those that use an ADL body on another party's chassis. Doing so will "ensure that customers have the widest range of solutions available to meet their individual requirements,” the manufacturer says.
Delivery of the first of the new models will be from late 2023. They will introduce a new design language developed in-house with input from students of Coventry University’s Automotive and Transport Design course. That will give the buses “unmistakeable kerb appeal and highlight their zero-emission credentials,” Alexander Dennis continues.
Unveiled so far is a teaser image of one of the new buses. Further details and drawings will be released over coming months.
An order for 10 Enviro500EV tri-axles in hand for Hong Kong operator KMB will be part of the new generation of battery-electric buses, as hinted at when it was announced in March. Meanwhile, the hydrogen fuel cell-electric Enviro400FCEV will share technology and key driveline components with the newcomers.
Says President and Managing Director Paul Davies: “Alexander Dennis continues to lead the transition to zero-emission mobility, and this unparalleled investment in the latest zero-emission technology gives operators, transport authorities and councils the freedom to choose from an even wider range of buses.
“Throughout this difficult period for our industry, we have continued to challenge our engineering team to evolve our range. The result will be a brand new fully in-house designed and integrated electric double-deck and small bus product, giving our customers access to the latest zero-emission vehicle technology from a single, trusted source.”