BAE Systems has delivered its first plug-in capable hybrid-electric propulsion systems to bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, which is supplying new double-deckers to Ireland.
The Series-ER systems will power Ireland’s fleet of up to 600 Enviro400ER hybrid buses. BAE Systems has supplied systems for the first 100 buses and will supply an additional 180 systems for buses next year.
While the Series-ER system is on buses in service throughout Europe, including cities such as Brighton, London, Namur, and Paris, the Irish buses are said to be the first in the world to feature BAE’s new plug-in technology.
The propulsion system includes an electric motor and generator, battery, and electronic controls to allow operators to use the grid for power and add more battery capacity to increase their engine off time. According to BAE, the Series-ER system enables buses to run for up to 5km (three miles) at a time with the engine turned off, resulting in the buses using up to 35% less fuel when compared to a conventional bus.
“The Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER is ideally suited for flexible operating needs including zero-emission running at air pollution hotspots,” said Paul Davies, president and managing director at Alexander Dennis.
“With the ability to externally charge the batteries, the use of on-board power generation can be further reduced. This new generation of double-deck buses for Ireland once again demonstrates that with ADL’s focus on innovation, we are building the buses our cities need to solve their transport challenges.”
The Series-ER system is being developed and serviced at BAE’s facilities in Endicott, New York, and Rochester, UK.
