First Bus has placed an order with Alexander Dennis for 17 battery-electric buses for Bath city services. The order comprises 12 Enviro200EV and five Enviro100EV vehicles, to be delivered in 2026.
The Enviro200EV is available in lengths of 9.9 m, 10.9 m and 11.7 m, as well as a 10.4 m option that meets the specifications of Transport for London (TfL). For Bath, First Bus has ordered the 10.9-metre variant with a 400 kWh battery from CATL. The electric bus offers seating for up to 38 people. With short overhangs and a narrow 2.47-metre width, the model, the revised version of which was presented in October last year, is designed to operate efficiently on Bath’s historic and constrained streets, says the manufacturer.
Five Enviro100EV will also join the fleet. They are equipped with 354 kWh batteries supplied by Impact Clean Power Technology, providing a range of up to 450 kilometres on a single charge. At 8.5 metres long and 2.35 metres wide, Alexander Dennis positions the model as a “big small bus”, offering passengers the same accessibility and comfort as larger vehicles with 26 seats, including six tip-ups.
Both models are powered by the Voith Electrical Drive System.
Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group, announced that the order is supported by government funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, secured through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The exact amount was not stated.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming these new electric buses to Bath,” said Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for First Bus Wales & West. “They’ll bring quiet, clean and comfortable journeys for our customers, while helping to improve air quality and support the city’s sustainability ambitions. This investment marks another important step in our journey to a zero-emission bus fleet.”
Marie Connell, National Account Manager for Alexander Dennis, added: “We are grateful for the confidence placed in us with this first order from First Bus for our next-generation Alexander Dennis electric buses. It follows the successful and ongoing field trial of an Enviro400EV double decker which is being tested by First Bus operating companies across the country.”
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