Ireland wants to build an electric double-decker fleet

The future on the green island is set to become greener - the Irish transport authority NTA has just launched a tender for the procurement of up to 800 fully electric double-decker buses, which are to be deployed in the five largest metropolises in Ireland. The deadline for bus manufacturers to submit their offers is February 12, 2021. The tender is part of the Project Ireland 2040 initiative and the Irish government's Climate Action Plan.

The goal is a framework agreement guaranteeing the delivery of up to 800 electric double-decker buses within five years starting from the first half of 2022. In 2019, the NTA tendered for up to 600 hybrid double-decker buses, which the Scottish bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) won. The first double-deckers from this order were delivered to Ireland's capital Dublin in early December.

The key details of the current tender:

• Battery capacity not less than 300 kWh
• Charging power at least 150 kW
• Number of seats: min. 41 on the upper and 19 on the lower deck
• Passenger capacity including standing places min. 75
• Length: max. 11.5 m