Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, unveiled its Enviro400FCEV hydrogen-fuel cell double decker at Euro Bus Expo 2022 in Birmingham as part of its next generation of zero-emission buses. The vehicle at the show is the first for the type’s launch customer, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.  Alexander Dennis has developed a leading new zero-emission technology platform as the basis for a new generation of battery-electric and hydrogen-fuel cell buses, building on the comprehensive expertise gained as the UK market leader for clean buses and benefitting from learnings across the NFI Group.

The first of this new generation of zero-emission buses – fully designed and built by Alexander Dennis and backed up with AD24 whole-vehicle aftermarket support – is the Enviro400FCEV hydrogen-fuel cell double decker. First announced last year, initial vehicles have now been completed and deliveries to launch customer Liverpool City Region are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The 11.1m long Enviro400FCEV can carry up to 88 passengers, up to 73 of them seated and with up to two wheelchair users securely accommodated in dedicated bays. Alexander Dennis’s wide range of options allows it to be tailored to the individual specification of cities, transport authorities and operators.

Similar to the upcoming new Alexander Dennis battery-electric buses, the Enviro400FCEV utilises the Voith Electrical Drive System next-generation electric driveline that has been developed specifically for the requirements of buses with an efficient permanent magnet traction motor that delivers substantial torque and power in a compact footprint, freeing up vehicle space for passengers and maximizing ride quality with low unsprung mass. Peak power output of the heavy-duty unit (VEDS HD) has been capped at 350kW on the Enviro400FCEV to maximise fuel economy while still enabling a high maximum running speed and excellent static and dynamic gradeability.

The Enviro400FCEV is fuelled in just five minutes through fillers on both sides of the vehicle. Up to 29.4kg of hydrogen is stored in 350bar NPROXX composite pressure vessels safely mounted at the rear of the vehicle before being converted to electric energy in a Ballard FCmove-HD fuel cell power module that is rated at 45kW or 60kW depending on operational application to optimise efficiency, reduce heat rejection and extend fuel cell life. A 30kWh battery from Impact Clean Power Technology provides on-board buffer storage between fuel cell module and motor. Using lithium-titanate (LTO) chemistry, it is particularly suited to frequent rapid charge and discharge and is expected to last the life of the bus. No external battery charging is required in daily operation.

Every drive and power technology element has been calibrated for maximum efficiency and is supported by NFI Connect telematics. The Enviro400FCEV boasts an operational range of up to 300 miles on a single fill, making it particularly suitable to high-mileage applications such as busy urban corridors and interurban routes.

Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director Paul Davies says: “The launch of the Enviro400FCEV signals the start of a new age for zero-emission buses with our next-generation technology platform. Using the expertise from earlier prototypes as well as our wider experience as the long-established market leader for greener buses, this is a mature product for an industry that needs customised solutions from a reliable partner.

“Sitting alongside our new battery-electric buses and the hugely successful products we will continue to build in partnership with BYD, the Enviro400FCEV adds a hydrogen-fuel cell bus to what is now the industry’s widest portfolio of zero-emission solutions, ready to meet the requirements of any bus operator, transport authority or city.”

The Enviro400FCEV shown at Euro Bus Expo is the first for launch customer Liverpool City Region, which is introducing 20 of them on its busiest route, the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool City Centre, as part of programme of investment designed to decarbonise and radically improve bus services in the region. Publicly owned by the City Region and branded in a style consistent with its latest trains, they will be jointly operated by bus operators Arriva and Stagecoach.

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management regarding Alexander Dennis Limited’s and NFI’s strategic initiatives, new products, business prospects and opportunities, including the future existence and growth of a market for hydrogen-fuel cell double decker buses and the economic, range and efficiency benefits arising therefrom.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including, market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase hydrogen-fuel cell double decker buses; there may not be sufficient customer demand for hydrogen-fuel cell double decker buses, including the Enviro400FCEV, or at all, in order to commence or maintain manufacturing for such products; the expected economic and efficiency improvements and expected range described in this release may not be as great as those anticipated or may not be realized at all; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, NFI disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.