The orders form part of a five-year framework agreement for a total of up to 600 Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER buses that was first announced in January 2020.
Of the initial 100 vehicles, 74 will be operated by Dublin Bus in the Irish capital, and a further 26 will be operated by Bus Éireann in Galway. The first vehicles are expected to enter service in early 2021.
The Enviro400ER is a double deck diesel-electric hybrid, capable of at least 2.5km continuous electric range with no exhaust emissions. It utilises the BAE Systems Series-ER hybrid system with a 32kWh next-generation lithium-ion battery energy storage system that can be charged externally via a plug-in connection, which means that the Enviro400ER is recognised as a ‘clean vehicle’ by the European Union’s Clean Vehicles Directive.
In addition to its continuous zero tailpipe emissions range within geofenced areas, the Enviro400ER switches off its diesel engine at low speeds during approach to and departure from stops and when stationary. BAE Systems says that the buses will use up to 35 percent less fuel when compared to a conventional bus.
NTA chief executive officer Anne Graham said: “The NTA is committed to the transition to zero and low emission public transport vehicles, and with these new ADL buses, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable bus fleet. These vehicles will also add some badly-needed extra capacity to our city fleets in Dublin and Galway and we look forward to them becoming operational early in the new year.”
ADL President & Managing Director, Paul Davies said: “With the ability to externally charge the batteries, the use of on-board power generation can be further reduced.”