Alexander Dennis unveils Enviro400FCEV next-generation hydrogen bus
It is fully designed and built by Alexander Dennis and backed up with AD24 whole-vehicle aftermarket support.
Alexander Dennis 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 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.
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 grade ability.
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.
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.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President, said, “The launch of the Enviro400FCEV signals the start of a new age for zero-emission buses with our next-generation technology platform.”
