BYD ADL Bags UK's Single Largest Order For 195 Electric Buses To Operate In London

China's BYD and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) have received an order for 195 electric buses that will be operated in London, UK. This is the largest-ever electric bus order in the UK and has been placed by RATP Dev London, one of Transport for London's principal bus operators. The order is placed for 68 units of Enviro200EV single-deckers (including 21 compact 10.2-metre models) and 127 units of Enviro400EV double-decker electric buses. It's a part of RATP's efforts towards providing emissions-free transport in the UK by 2037 - a key objective of the London Mayor's Transport Strategy for 2018.

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Under the partnership, BYD will be providing the battery-electric driveline technology while ADL builds the bodyshell of the buses in the UK, customised to RATP's operating requirements. BYD is one of the leading producers of batteries, energy management and electric mobility globally; whereas ADL is a subsidiary of independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc.

Catherine Chardon, Managing Director - RATP Dev London, said, "Electrification is a critical part of our business and partnership with Transport for London (TfL). We launched our two first 100 per cent electric routes less than two years ago, as well as London's first fully electric 24-hour double-decker bus route last year. By the beginning of 2022, we will operate 15 zero-emission routes and have five of our garages converted to electric. This agreement will help RATP Dev London position itself as the leading electric bus services provider in the city. We are proud to work hand in hand with TfL to help London achieve its sustainability goals."

BYD will provide the electric drivetrain while ADL will build the body for the e-buses customised for RATP Dev London's operating requirements

Frank Thorpe, Managing Director - BYD UK, said, "Naturally, this is a hugely significant moment in the development of the BYD brand in the UK. Public transport in the capital often provides the blueprint for other towns and cities and the fact that a major operator like RATP Dev is making such a substantial commitment to eMobility will, I believe, resonate with Local Authorities across the UK. The increasing electrification of routes by TfL operators is delivering long-term productivity to their fleets and real environmental benefits for Londoners."

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Paul Davies, President & Managing Director - ADL, said: "RATP Dev London's record order is a resounding vote of confidence in our British-built electric buses and ADL's proven ability to tailor these to authorities and operators' requirements. These buses will build on our pioneering work in support of Transport for London's Bus Safety Standard with a focus on safety for drivers, passengers and other road users."

Over 400 BYD ADL electric buses have cumulatively covered 32 million emission-free km across London. The transport operator has placed orders for another 300 vehicles including the latest electric buses from BYD ADL. By 2022, RATP Dev London will be the largest operator of electric buses in London with about 25 per cent of its London United and London Sovereign fleet fully electric. Deliveries of RATP Dev London's latest BYD ADL fleet will begin later this year.