Go-Ahead London is First to Operate Next Generation, Ultra Low Emission Hybrid Bus from ADL and BAE Systems

Alexander Dennis Ltd. and BAE Systems have delivered the first 39 Enviro400H double-deck buses with Series-E hybrid technology to launch customer Go-Ahead London. Using ultra-capacitor energy storage to further reduce life cycle costs, this next generation hybrid bus has achieved Ultra Low Emission Bus certification with 37 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel buses.

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 utilizes a lighter and more compact direct drive permanent magnet traction motor, which no longer requires a speed reducing gearbox, thereby increasing efficiency and minimizing wear. An ultra-capacitor energy storage system replaces the previous generation’s batteries. Designed to last the lifetime of the bus, this ultra-capacitor storage will reduce total cost of ownership by not requiring mid-life replacement. Due to this and other improvements, a 53 percent reduction in the cost of parts and consumables is predicted over a ten-year period.

There is no change for drivers as the new system matches its predecessor’s performance. Passengers continue to enjoy smooth acceleration and braking, while pedestrians and local residents continue to benefit from the arrive-and-go mode which turns off the Euro VI diesel engine at low speed and when stationary at bus stops, cutting out noise and emissions.

Neither is there a significant change to the maintenance regime, with the annual cleaning or change of a new filter on the energy storage system offset by reduced dirt ingress to a relocated hybrid unit cooler pack.

Through its increased efficiency, the Enviro400H with Series-E hybrid technology has demonstrated best-in-class fuel economy in the LowCVP’s UK Bus test cycle, with fuel consumption 6 percent lower than its predecessor. Tank-to-wheel CO2 equivalent emissions of 684.9g/km are 37 percent lower than those of a conventional Euro VI diesel bus, making the Enviro400H with Series-E technology an Ultra Low Emission Bus and qualifying it for funding from the Department for Transport’s ongoing £48 million ($65.09 million) Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme.

Go-Ahead London is the pioneering launch customer for this next generation Enviro400H, with the first 39 buses entering service on Transport for London route 36 between Queen’s Park and New Cross Gate. Another 26 are on order for routes 77 and 87.

Richard Harrington, Go-Ahead London engineering director, said, “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. This experience gave us the confidence to place a volume order for the new Series-E version, and we look forward to recognizing its improved fuel economy and lower cost of ownership.”

Colin Robertson, ADL chief executive, commented: “We are delighted that Go-Ahead London have taken the bold step to embrace innovation with these orders. We appreciate the trust placed in us and our technology partner BAE Systems. Backed up by our class-leading aftermarket support, these hybrid buses will be an excellent value addition to the Go-Ahead London fleet and we look forward to realising these benefits with further operators.”

Matthew Lawrence, BAE Systems business development manager, explained: “With Ultra Low Emission Bus certification, the Enviro400H with Series-E technology and ultra-capacitor energy storage not only suits London operators, but gives bus companies around the country the opportunity to apply for Department for Transport funding with a proven solution supported by existing infrastructure.”