The UK's leading manufacturer of electric buses, the BYD ADL partnership, has unveiled the first of 37 new, zero-emission, fully electric BYD ADL Enviro400EV double deckers for delivery to London bus operator, Metroline.

BYD ADL Enviro400EV pure-electric double-deck bus for Metroline's Route 43, in London

The first five vehicles entered service today on Metroline's route 43 as part of the bus operator's contract with Transport for London (TfL), operating out of Metroline's Holloway Bus Garage. Route 43 runs from Friern Barnet to London Bridge, a total distance of nine miles.

Adrian Jones, Engineering Director at Metroline, said, “The launch of the new electric buses on route 43 is a triumph for both Metroline and for London. Providing a new challenge for Metroline's engineering teams, we worked closely with engineers at BYD and ADL to develop these new buses, using what we learnt from our trials with their prototypes. As a result, they are perfectly designed to deliver Londoners to their destinations, whilst helping to keep London's air cleaner with zero-emissions.”

The new Enviro400EV possesses the same ‘DNA’ as its proven Enviro200EV stablemate albeit with a new chassis and lightweight aluminium double deck bodywork measuring 10.9m in length, 4.3m high and 2.55m wide. Power is delivered via BYD's fully electrtic drivetrain technology featuring high capacity 382 kWh BYD Iron-Phosphate batteries providing an impressive 160 mile range. The drivetrain features BYD's innovative wheel-hub-motor – meaning no gearbox, driveshaft or differential componentry.

The new double deck layout specifically for the Metroline order boasts a lower saloon capacity of 24 forward-facing seats and 43 forward-facing seats in the upper saloon – 67 seats in total. A modern exterior retains the traditional design cues of London's iconic red double-decker albeit with thoroughly modern bodywork courtesy of ADL; the ‘City’ styling features a striking glazed staircase providing aesthetic appeal for passengers, other road users and pedestrians. Further specifcation is to TfL's exacting standards including a long wheelchair bay and automatic wheelchair ramp at the rear doors.

“London's red double-decker bus is a true symbol of the city and an iconic vehicle known around the world,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho. “The BYD ADL Enviro400EV retains the soul of the London double decker bus, brought up-to-date by embracing 21st century technology; technology that is 100% emission free and operationally ultra-efficient – good news for Metroline,” he said, “and good news for the people of London.”

“I am thrilled to be able to present the first BYD ADL double decker for London,” he added, “at the start of what I believe will be a continuation of our highly successful partnership with Metroline and TfL.”

ADL Chief Executive, Colin Robertson, commented: “Since it began in 2015, the collaboration with BYD has gone from strength to strength – our best-selling Enviro200EV single deck buses hit a landmark 2 million miles of zero emissions service earlier this year and we are delighted to see the relationship evolve with the first BYD ADL pure electric double decks now on the streets of London. We’re confident the Enviro400EV can emulate the success of its single deck equivalent, delivering cleaner air, less noise pollution and extreme passenger comfort for all.” 

The new BYD ADL Enviro400EV is built in Britain at ADL's facility in Scarborough, Yorkshire, using BYD components assembled into a powered chassis built in Europe at BYD's plant in Komarom, Hungary.