National Express West Midlands has completed its rollout of 170 BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-deck buses, as it moves towards operating a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
As part of the £95 million investment by the operator, fleet electrification and battery storage specialist Zenobē will provide an Electric Transport as a Service (ETaaS) solution.
This includes financing the buses and on-board batteries, ensuring performance while in use and replacing them at the end of their first, usable life.
Zenobē will monitor and optimise the fleet’s energy use by integrating its proprietary software platform, as well as providing parts and operational support.
In addition, the buses are supported by second-life batteries that are repurposed from electric bus batteries that have come to the end of their first, usable life.
Installed by Zenobē at the depot, they release energy stored during peak periods, providing the National Express West Midlands bus fleet with much needed power at times of high demand.
National Express West Midlands has also completed a major infrastructure upgrade of its Yardley Wood depot with the installation of rapid charging infrastructure.
The electricity to power the buses will be 100% renewable and zero carbon.
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director at National Express West Midlands, said, “Replacing our diesel buses with electric vehicles and modernising our depots are key steps in our journey towards operating a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.”
Steven Meersman, Founder Director of Zenobē, said, “From procuring vehicles and onboard batteries to designing and managing charging infrastructure, we’ve delivered a fully tailored, end-to-end solution at Yardley Wood that supports National Express’s bold ambitions and meets their long-term operational goals.”
