Werbung
Werbung

ADL Enviro100EV & 400EV: Voith-VEDS drive instead of BYD

They are the first two models of the Next Generation and feature an independent driveline developed with Voith, which is used instead of the previous partner BYD.

ADL President and CEO Paul Davies introduced the two new models. (Photo: ADL)
ADL President and CEO Paul Davies introduced the two new models. (Photo: ADL)
Werbung
Werbung
von Claus Bünnagel

Alexander Dennis (ADL) has introduced the next generation of the Enviro400EV double-decker and the completely new Midi Enviro100EV, both initially intended for the British and Irish markets. The 11.1 m long Enviro400EV for urban and intercity use has now been fully developed in-house – without the previous partner BYD. It has a range of up to 420 km, which should be enough for a minimum radius of 230 km under winter conditions. The Enviro100EV is a nimble minibus with a length of 8.5 m and a width of 2.35 m. It achieves a maximum range of 460 km, with a minimum of about 280 km.

VEDS provides drive and energy management

Voith Turbo supplies the drivetrain in the form of the Voith Electrical Drive Systems (VEDS), which has been specially developed for the requirements of urban and intercity buses. While the medium-duty variant is used in the Enviro100EV, the heavy-duty version of the VEDS is used in the Enviro400EV for great climbing ability and high reliability even at higher operating speeds.

The NMC battery system of the two models was developed in collaboration with Impact Clean Power Technology. The battery packs are housed in the chassis and the rear of the vehicle as well as under the stairs of the Enviro400EV. The underfloor batteries are mechanically isolated and not directly screwed to the chassis, protecting them from external stresses due to twists and shocks. This also enables a continuous low-floor design, which increases the maximum passenger capacity by 19% compared to its predecessor.

Lots of new features for drivers and passengers

Access to the upper deck is via ADL's well-known "Squarecase" without slanted steps. Once upstairs, passengers enjoy the view through floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a new panoramic windshield and optional skylights. The working environment for drivers has also been improved with a new steering wheel, a configurable display in the dashboard, and improved heating, cooling, and ventilation in the cabin. A newly designed front geometry of the vehicle offers the driver better direct visibility and protects vulnerable road users.

"We apply proven automotive industry principles to buses: better visibility for the driver, a reshaped front section that is more likely to deflect rather than impact, and a reduction in system stiffness to minimize the risk to drivers and passengers in the event of a possible collision," explains Chris Gall, Technical Director at ADL.

Long Warranty and Usage Periods

Vehicle models are standardly delivered by ADL with a five-year warranty.

"Our batteries standardly come with an eight-year warranty, which can be extended to twelve years," advertises ADL President and CEO Paul Davies.

An exemplary battery analysis showed that the Enviro400EV, thanks to an energy throughput over its maximum battery life of 1.4 GWh, will be able to cover two consecutive seven-year contract periods on typical routes, e.g., from Transport for London (TfL) without a battery change – or typical intercity routes for up to 20 years with only one battery change mid-life.

With such route modeling and considering financing options, power supply, maintenance costs, and available subsidies, ADL can offer its customers a calculation of total operating costs for 20 years. Additionally, the British manufacturer supports cities and transit agencies in transitioning to an emission-free bus fleet by recommending financing partners – including those willing to take a full 20-year term – and infrastructure providers, or by working with the customers’ existing partners.

Comprehensive Support by AD24

ADL vehicles are extensively supported by the after-sales department of the subsidiary AD24. Spare parts are stored in the UK and can be ordered around the clock via the AD24 website. Field technicians are equipped with the new components and trained by the AD24 Training Academy, which also offers customized training for customers either in-house or at the operators' locations.

Support is complemented by AD Connect, a new telematics solution specially tailored for buses, providing operators with the necessary vehicle and fleet performance data, as well as advanced diagnostics, spare parts, and repair information to further increase vehicle uptime. Access to AD Connect is available directly via the AD24 portal or through integration into customers' existing fleet management systems.

Improvements in Manufacturing

The Enviro400EV is assembled in Larbert, where ADL has reshaped its facility and revised the manufacturing process by introducing digital tools and reducing the number of manufacturing steps to improve material, process, and quality control. These new working methods are gradually being introduced at all manufacturer locations, including Scarborough, where the single-story production hall is being expanded, and where the establishment of an external equipment and logistics facility was recently announced.

This will also benefit the production of the Enviro100EV, which can take advantage of ADL's global manufacturing benefits. Parts of the chassis and body frame are made by ADL's long-standing contractor in Zhuhai, southern China, to its designs. Subsequently, components such as axles, powertrains, batteries, doors, seats, and destination displays are installed in Scarborough.

"We are introducing a split-build philosophy for our new 'big little bus,' based on the success of nearly 4,200 buses we have assembled in Zhuhai over the past 15 years. A more global perspective on our manufacturing strategy will enable us to increase our overall capacity and remain competitive," Davies further explains.

Production for both vehicle types has now begun, with first deliveries expected in January and February 2024.

Completion of the Next-Generation Product Range

The Enviro400EV and the Enviro100EV are part of a larger family of next-generation zero-emission buses from ADL, which also includes the three-axle double-decker Enviro500EV for international markets introduced earlier this year in Hong Kong. An international version of the Enviro100EV is in development, as well as the autonomous Enviro100AEV and an open-top variant of the Enviro400EV.

The next generation of battery-electric buses from ADL for the UK and Ireland will be completed in 2025 with the new single-decker Enviro200EV, also entirely developed and built in-house. In addition to the Next Generation buses, Alexander Dennis will continue to market electric buses built in collaboration with BYD. Over 1,500 of these BYD-ADL Enviro200EV and Enviro400EV are currently in operation in the UK and Ireland.

Translated automatically from German.
Werbung

Branchenguide

Werbung