The Series E vehicles use an ultra-capacitor energy storage system, instead of the previous generation’s batteries, and have achieved Ultra Low Emission Bus certification with 37% lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel buses.
The ultra-capacitor storage is designed to last the lifetime of the bus. ADL says this, and other improvements, will deliver a 53% reduction in the cost of parts and consumables over a ten-year period.
The manufacturer says that Series-E maintains the series hybrid system architecture – proven in over 1,300 existing Enviro400H hybrid buses – in which the diesel engine only acts as generator to produce energy for the electric drive. This now uses a lighter and more compact direct drive permanent magnet traction motor, which no longer requires a speed reducing gearbox, thereby increasing efficiency and minimising wear.
Go-Ahead London has already ordered another 26 of the vehicles for two more routes in the capital.
“With 245 Enviro400H already in our fleet, we know ADL and BAE Systems’ Enviro400H as a reliable bus that helps us improve London’s air quality,” says Richard Harrington, engineering director for Go-Ahead London.
“This experience gave us the confidence to place a volume order for the new Series-E version, and we look forward to recognising its improved fuel economy and lower cost of ownership.”