greenbusandcoach September 2021 by greenbusandcoach

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September 2021

Issue 430

busandcoach driving towards a greener future

Charting the way towards Net Zero

News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector

EXPANDING THE HYDROGEN ECOSPHERE Cummins is delivering net zero carbon solutions with an unrivalled range of hydrogen technologies extending from fuel production to storage and vehicle power. It’s a unique capability that builds on Cummins’ long experience in powering buses and trucks worldwide.

Fuel cell power systems Storage tanks for vehicles & refueling stations Green hydrogen electrolyzer installations Developing hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines

To find out how our integrated technologies can help put you on the road to a sustainable, zero emissions future visit: cummins.com/new-power

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Editorial

Analysis: Operators prepare plans for Net Zero

is published by Plum Publishing Ltd

Steve Rooney steve.rooney@busandcoach.com

Contact address:

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MAN ebus provides electric lift for IAA show visitors

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to greenbusandcoachare not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions.

11 Hydrogen fund launched by Jo Bamford and Vendra Partners

g reen g

September 2021

Issue 430

busandcoach driving towards a greener future

Charting the way towards Net Zero

News and analysis of the transition to a zero emission bus and coach sector

September 2021

12 ADL wins contract for Liverpool H2 bus fleet greenbusandcoach 3

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andcoach

Assessing UK bus decarbonisation plans Stagecoach launches new sustainability strategy with call for “radical behaviour change” while Go-Ahead targets are backed by Science Based Targets initiative.

wo of the UK’s major bus groups have made significant steps in their decarbonisation journeys with the publication of a new Sustainability Strategy by Stagecoach, and the formal endorsement of Go-Ahead’s targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)*. Corporate sustainability strategies are plentiful these days as companies aim to present convincing cases to those investors who pore over ESG (Environment, Social and Corporate Governance) statements. And this is no longer a niche activity, since the investment community is rapidly becoming switched on to assessing how future-proofed its target companies are in terms of being prepared for climate change, both in terms of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Go-Ahead Group’s emissions reduction targets, which form a key part of its climate change strategy, have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. In a climate change strategy published in July, GoAhead committed to achieving a 75 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2035, and to become a fully carbon neutral company by 2045. Go Ahead says this will involve a wholesale shift in technology, including converting the group’s fleet of 5,000 buses to zero emission vehicles and decarbonising rail services. Work is underway across the group to reduce water usage significantly, improve energy efficiency and to recycle more waste. The SBTi has certified that targets covering greenhouse gas emissions from Go-Ahead’s operations (scopes 1 and 2) are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C, which the latest climate science has told us is needed to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change. Earlier this year, Go-Ahead signed the Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment letter, pledging to

align its climate mitigation targets with the aims of the Paris Agreement. To date, 695 companies globally have signed this letter. Heidi Huusko, senior manager, environment and climate at the United Nations Global Compact, one of the Science Based Targets initiative partners, says: "We congratulate Go-Ahead Group on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. By setting ambitious science-based targets grounded in climate science, Go-Ahead is taking action to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change." Mark Anderson, Go-Ahead interim customer and commercial director, adds: “This is an important endorsement of our targets by a leading global authority on how best to respond to climate change. “As a transport operator, we recognise our responsibility to decarbonise our business and we’ve set out an ambitious, but deliverable, timetable to do so. Our actions are only part of the picture though – to truly tackle the climate emergency, it’s vital that travel habits change and that people leave their cars at home in favour of walking, cycling or public transport.” Since 2016, Go-Ahead says it has achieved a 22 per cent reduction in carbon emissions in spite of international expansion of the company. Meanwhile, Stagecoach has launched a new longterm sustainability strategy setting out what it aims to do in response to climate change and other challenges, while also taking a sideswipe at government for its lack of effective action. Stagecoach accuses the government of “contradictory policies and mixed messaging”, while failing to prioritise “radical behaviour change and incentives to reward the right choices” to make its Net Zero ambitions a reality. Publishing its own roadmap to becoming a carSeptember 2021

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bon neutral business by 2050, Stagecoach challenged national and regional government over climate change action. Stagecoach’s strategy – ‘Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work’ – sets out its plans to harness public transport to address climate change, support post-Covid economic recovery and boost prosperity for employees and communities across the UK. The plan will see investment in new zero-emissions fleets and other green technologies over the next 15 years to reduce the impact of the company’s operations, as well as initiatives to cut waste, boost recycling and conserve water. Stagecoach’s carbon reduction target is close to GoAhead’s, with a commitment to decarbonise its business by around 70 per cent by 2035 as well as targeting having a zero emissions UK bus fleet by that date. The targets follow a 14 per cent reduction in Stagecoach carbon emissions between 2014 and 2019, supported by investments in LED lighting, intelligent building heating control systems and renewables. Stagecoach has also confirmed plans to sign up to the global Race to Zero campaign and has also started working towards ratification by the Science Based Targets initiative. The plan to fully decarbonise the company’s operaSeptember 2021

tions will see a switch away from diesel power to zerocarbon technologies, including electric and hydrogen. Other key environmental targets include: Purchasing only 100 per cent renewable energy for Stagecoach buildings and fleet Aligning energy management systems with the international standard ISO50001 by 2027 95 per cent of waste diverted from landfill by 2026 and 98 per cent by 2031 Reducing resource use by further digitalising systems Progressing a climate adaptation programme to risk assess and protect facilities Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, says: “Our strategy starts with what we can do in our own business to help transform society for the better. But we also need to make changes individually and work together to achieve our goals. “The country will not deliver on its ambitions by grand strategies or technology change alone. We need radical behaviour change and incentives to reward the right choices to make net zero a reality. We need to be more honest about the scale of the challenge and the changes we will need to make to how we live now. “Governments need to get real and stop cherrypicking the easy wins. We urgently need practical

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changes by national and regional government to address contradictory policies and mixed messaging currently being sent to citizens.” Griffiths highlights the problems caused by some clean air zone plans that avoid placing any levy on car drivers which he claims effectively tax bus passengers for making a sustainable choice. “Our current tax system and approach to road management puts cars first and is directly resulting in higher fares for people doing the right thing and choosing greener bus travel,” adds Griffiths. “The biggest opportunity to address climate change and protect our communities from extreme weather, poor air quality and the road traffic gridlock strangling our economy is not from electrifying Britain’s transport system. It is from incentivising the country to switch from cars to greener and healthier public transport and active travel.” Stagecoach is also putting in place enhanced governance arrangements to drive and monitor its

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strategy. These include a new Sustainability Steering Group; immediate compliance with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures; and a target of achieving Carbon Disclosure Project “A” rating, with annual goals to improve performance. Griffiths adds: “This is far more than a climate change strategy. It is a plan to deliver better places to live and work in the towns and cities we are proud to serve across the country. We need the support of government, our customers, our employees, our supply chain partners and a green recovery from the Covid19 pandemic to fuel the investment needed to make real change a reality.” • A global body, the SBTi is a collaboration between the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature. It defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets. September 2021

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September 2021

The acoustics analysis tools are designed to objectively measure and present the different acoustics criteria as the human ear actually perceives the sound. Traditionally, noise sources from diesel-powered buses were predominately from the IC engine and from other components such as the exhaust system, cooling system, fans, air inta ke components and environmental noise (including drive-by, tire and road noise). In comparison the assumption is electric vehicles are completely silent. There are a vast number of opportunities within Electric Vehicles to achieve much lower levels of interior noise than is perceived by the manufacturers. The electric motor is one of the key noise sources within electric vehicles. Large electric vehicles such as buses require an electric motor that requires significant traction and it is difficult to produce this amount of energy without emitting a significant amount of acoustic energy too. And yes, while these noise levels are lower than that of an IC engine, they tend to emit more high-

frequency tones and whines, which are high pitched and annoying to the ear. Electromagnetic pulses from the electric motor can be very strong and the noise emitted can be transmitted throughout the entire body of the bus, creating issues within NVH and for noise management. Ventac’s Commercial vehicle noise control services include analysis through a vehicle acoustic test program to custom design, engineer and manufacture a value based and turnkey solution that is delivered directly to the customer. At Vent ac ou r i ndu st r y experience in delivering high performance acoustic solutions across the commercial vehicle industry means we understand the needs of our customers. Our global network of offices and support centres facilitates strong partnership relationships with our customers who have a number of projects across global locations. VENTAC Fitzwilliam House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland W91 V972 T: +353 (0)45 851500 E: info@ventac.com W: ventac.com

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MAN electric bus transports visitors at IAA show in Munich

HELD in Munich for the first time, the international trade show IAA which takes place this month will see the MAN ebus in operation taking visitors between the city centre and the trade fair on a dedicated ‘Blue Lane’. “Visitors to the trade fair will experience future-oriented and sustainable mobility with our MAN Lion’s City E,” says Andreas Tostmann, CEO of

MAN Truck & Bus. “The MAN Lion’s City E is locally emissionfree on the road and represents the future of inner-city mobility,” says Tostmann. Rudi Kuchta, head of business unit bus at MAN Truck & Bus, adds: “The potential for reducing CO2 emissions in local public transport is enormous. “The European Union has also recognised this and passed the

Clean Vehicle Directive. This provides for binding emission standards in municipal f leets from the beginning of August 2021. Cities must thus set their course for emission-free mobility. The goal is to move from ‘low emission’ to ‘no emission’. We are convinced that electromobility is the key technology for urban mobility of today and tomorrow.” www.man.eu

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Ebusco awarded international framework agreement with Transdev EBUSCO has been awarded a five-year international framework agreement with Transdev for the delivery of electric buses. Under the agreement, Ebusco will be eligible to be a primary supplier to Transdev in France, Germany and the Netherlands where it operates a combined fleet of over 10,500 buses. In these countries, Ebusco will be able to compete for Transdev orders as one of a limited number of electric bus manufacturers. Ebusco has received

two initial requests for quotation under the agreement in France and Germany. The agreement may be expanded to additional European countries later this year. Peter Bijvelds, CEO, Ebusco, says: “We are delighted to become one of Transdev’s main partners internationally. “We share the commitment to drive the transition towards zero emission public transport, in which Transdev is an industry leader.

“Having delivered over 170 buses to Transdev already, this international framework agreement is a clear acknowledgment for Ebusco.” In 2019, Transdev ordered 156 Ebusco buses for the Amsterdam area, Schiphol Airport and the inner city of Haarlem, which are operated under the Connexxion brand, in what was the largest electric bus order ever in Europe. The final buses under this order are currently being delivered. www.ebusco.com

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£1billion hydrogen investment fund launched by Jo Bamford

WRIGHTBUS owner Jo Bamford has launched an initiative to raise £1billion for a hydrogen investment fund in association with Vedra Partners. The backers of the HyCap scheme, which stands at more than £200million after the first round of investment, will be provided largely to UK businesses, with the focus on speeding-up green hydrogen production and supply, creating jobs and contributing to the government’s Net Zero targets. “Wit h t he Government’s relentless pursuit of Net Zero targets and the publication of the damning IPCC report, it is our September 2021

belief that hydrogen holds the key to reducing emissions - and there is a growing sense of urgency to act now,” says Bamford. “The UK has missed the boat on batteries, a sector dominated by China and the Far East, but we can be global leaders in the production and supply of hydrogen - an economy said to be worth $2.5trillion in revenues by 2050.” Bamford says he has already identified more than 40 firms in the hydrogen space which will be evaluated for investment. We have also discovered that investors around the world match the ambitions of global governments in wanting green-focused funds

which have a positive impact on climate change,” he adds. The HyCap founding team brings together hydrogen, manufacturing, financing and fund management expertise. Vedra Partners’ founder Max Gottschalk adds: “The fund will be investing across the entire value chain, focusing on production, manufacture and supply, in order to put the UK firmly on the map when it comes to hydrogen. “HyCap’s maiden fund can add strategic, operational and financial value to the ecosystem while creating entrepreneurial growth businesses.” www.vedrapartners.com

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innovation

ADL wins contract for Liverpool City Region hydrogen bus fleet

ALEXANDER Dennis won the contract to supply 20 hydrogen double-deck buses to the Liverpool City Region following a competitive tender process. The vehicles will be directly purchased through the Liverpool City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund, and, in common with new trains for the Merseyrail network, they will be publicly-owned. The new buses will be part of ADL’s new generation of H2.0 hydrogen vehicles, which are designed to be more energy efficient to cover greater distances between refuelling. The hydrogen f leet will initially serve the City Region’s busiest route - the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool city centre, jointly operated by Arriva and Stagecoach. The combined authority says that, subject to final agreement, the first vehicles

could be delivered in 2022. The hydrogen bus project is a key part of the Metro Mayor’s ‘Vision for Bus’, which commits to using the powers available through devolution to build a better, more reliable and affordable bus network for the City Region. Further plans also include the building of hydrogen refuelling facilities, which will be the first of their kind in north west England, due to begin later in the year. Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region, says: “Eighty-two per cent of all journeys on public transport in our region are taken by bus and this new fleet will give people a clean, green and comfortable way to get about. Reforming our bus network is a massive part of my plan for an integrated London-style transport network that makes traveling around our region quick, cheap

and reliable. “We want to be doing our bit to tackle climate change and improve air quality across the region too. “These buses will be a really important part of making that happen. Alongside the hydrogen refuelling facilities we’re building in St Helens and some of the other exciting green projects we’re investing in, our region is leading the Green Industrial Revolution.” ADL president & managing director Paul Davies, adds: “With its investment in this new fleet of hydrogen buses, the combined authority has chosen the latest in clean technology for the Liverpool City Region. We are delighted they have put their confidence in ADL to deliver their green agenda.” www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.go www.alexanderdennis.com

September 2021

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New Keolis networks in Denmark prioritise HVO fuelled-buses KEOLIS has begun operating two bus networks in Denmark’s Northern Jutland region running predominantly on renewable energy. The €190million contract was awarded to Keolis in December 2020 by the Public Transport Authority Nordjyllands Trafikselskab to operate and maintain 77 buses, 67 of which run on renewable energy, for 10 years. They will serve a population of 500,000 in the city of Aalborg and surrounding towns. Keolis’ international CEO Bernard Tabary says: “Our partnership over the past 13 years with Nordjyllands Trafikselskab has delivered a strong performance by offering a reliable and safe service for passengers, which we look forward to continuing. We take great pride in reducing emissions and creating a cleaner and healthier environment for Northern Jutland’s inhabitants and visitors”. The two networks in Northern Jutland will provide services to the 500,000 inhabitants in Aalborg, the region’s capital, and the

surrounding towns. The networks consist of 25 lines and will connect the city with a university, a major hospital due to open in 2022 and an airport for domestic and international flights. The total fleet of 77 buses, 67 of which run on HVO renewable

fuel, will cover nearly 10 million kilometres per year. The fleet is composed of three new Scania bus models: 12.8m (33 seats + 56 standing), 13.2m (41 seats + 17 standing) and 13.7m (37 seats + 74 standing). www.keolis.com

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exhibitions

Busworld India show to return in August 2022 at Bengaluru

BUSWORLD and Messe Frankfurt India have announced that Busworld India will be held from 25-27 August 2022 in Bengaluru. The organisers point out that public transport saw a major slowdown during the pandemic as bus ridership and service levels were severely impacted and public transport operators were strained due to lack of revenue. With things slowly getting back to normal over the past few months, they believe that the sector is gradually starting to recover and the time will be right for the show to return. “The year 2020 and the beginning of the year 2021 has been a tough one for the industry with lots of uncertainty and sluggishness marring the supply chain,” says a spokesperson for the organisers. “However, the signs of recovery in bus transportation in these past few months have brought

back the spark among bus manufacturers and sellers. Through Busworld India 2022, we aim to strongly contribute in the industry’s revival and bring crucial and invaluable business opportunities to the industry players across India and worldwide.” During the lockdowns over the past year, Busworld India has continued to keep the industry connected and updated through a series of virtual webinars and knowledge sessions. During a recent webinar on ‘Restoring bus in public transport through collaboration between Asian cities and the bus industry’ hosted by Busworld India, Prasanna Patwardhan, president, Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), urged the government to support state transport undertakings and private bus operators to increase the public preference toward buses: “The government should completely

open up luxury services by buses to private sector and let state transport undertakings compete with private operators on quality of services. All STU bus stations need to be modernised and private operators should be allowed to operate from the same stations, on similar lines like airports, and open government lands can be made available for bus parking at a nominal cost.” The Indian government’s goal to add maximum electric buses on the road has given rise to significant opportunities for both vehicle manufacturers, as well as component suppliers and charging infrastructure suppliers. Mumbai has recently received 25 new electric buses adding to its 206 existing e-buses, and plans to procure 115 more within the next two months. www.busworld.org www.busworldindia.org

September 2021

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innovation

BYD and ADL deliver first Enviro200EV XLB in New Zealand

BYD and Alexander Dennis have delivered the first three-axle BYD ADL Enviro200EV XLB to New Zealand, built locally by ADL’s partner Kiwi Bus Builders on a BYD chassis. The new EVs support New Zealand’s plans to transition to a decarbonised bus fleet by 2035. Joining the Auckland Transport fleet, the zeroemission buses will be evaluated in New Zealand’s largest city on trials sponsored by Mercury Energy. To meet the requirements of local transport authorities and operators, the Enviro200EV XLB is a three-axle 12.6m electric bus which provides a total passenger capacity of 78, with 36 seated and two wheelchair spaces. ADL general manager in New Zealand, Tony Moore, says: “The

launch of our extra-large electric bus marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Auckland Transport. After bringing the first electric buses to the city in 2018, we now have a zero-emission bus that is fully designed to New Zealand requirements – and is made locally, boosting the economy and supporting skilled jobs.” Auckland Transport Metro decarbonisation manager Darek Koper adds: “This trial fleet provides a range of options for New Zealand bus operators and it will build operator confidence in new technology. It will also allow them to understand operational requirements and costs to inform future procurement decisions, while supporting the accelerated transition to zero-emission buses in Auckland.”

The launch vehicle has been wrapped in an advertisement for energy supplier Mercury Energy, which will support the trial of the electric bus. “We have delivered a lot of BYD/ADL electric buses to several cities in New Zealand together with ADL,” says Wing You, BYD general manager for Australia and New Zealand. “This is a great privilege for BYD to work together with local manufacturers to help the local government speed up the transition to zero-emission electric buses by 2035, and so far we have completed over one million kilometers in operation, helping to cut more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.” www.byd.com www.alexanderdennis.com

September 2021

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testing

Karsan Atak Electric tested on 600km route in Spain TURKISH manufacturer Karsan participated in a testing event in Spain with its 8m Atak Electric bus. The EV took part in a pilot test drive and roadshow event on a specially-created 600km route between Barcelona and Madrid. The event was organised in collaboration between electric mobility charging solutions provider Circontrol and Karsan’s Spanish dealer e-busKar S.L. The Atak Electric completed the drive in 14 hours with three recharge stops using Raption 50 fastcharging devices, manufactured by Circontrol.

With a range of 300km and a passenger capacity of 52, Karsan’s Atak Electric has a 230kWh motor and 2.500Nm torque with five 44kWh batteries developed by BMW. The vehicle’s batteries can be charged in five hours with AC charging, and in three hours with fast-charging units. A regenerative braking system also recycles power which enables the batteries to selfrecharge up to 25 per cent, according to Karsan. The model comes with two seating layout options, 18+4 or 21+4 foldable for a capacity of 52 passengers.

Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, Karsan has been engaged in commercial vehicle production since 1981, and its factory in Hasanağa in Bursa has the capacity to manufacture up to 19,870 vehicles a year on a single shift. www.karsan.tr

Retrofit hydrogen bus planned by Ricardo and Stagecoach RICARDO has received funding to create a retrofit hydrogen fuel cell bus demonstrator for the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub in the north-east of England. The funding follows a bid by Ricardo alongside Stagecoach to the UK government’s Hydrogen Transport Hub Demonstration competition to showcase realworld hydrogen transport technology solutions. The resulting demonstrator will be available in the Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub from February 2022. Teri Hawksworth, managing director, Ricardo automotive and industrial division says: “National and local government authorities across the UK are bringing forward their zero emis-

sions targets to 2030. This creates challenges for bus operators who, while still grappling with the financial challenges of the global pandemic, are committed to transitioning to zero emission vehicles. “Winning the Hydrogen Transport Hub Demonstration competition will enable us to promote hydrogen fuel cell capabilities for buses in the UK and mainland Europe, and demonstrate the environmental, societal and economic benefits of the circular economy: affordably achieving zero emissions, while extending vehicle lives through retrofitting rather than scrapping vehicles.” Steve Walker, Stagecoach North East managing director, adds: “Introducing new low emission technologies to reduce air pollu-

tion and carbon dioxide emissions is key to achieving our environmental goals. We are delighted to be working with Ricardo to bring this exciting advancement to the UK’s first hydrogen hub, which represents a huge step for the Tees Valley.” Ricardo will develop a scalable, modular solution, enabling it to be installed, with minimal adaption, to multiple single- and double-deck platforms. The modular concept may also be saleable as a ‘new fuel cell’ module to coach builders across the European Union enabling them to develop new fuel cell buses by taking a rolling chassis and applying their coach build body alongside the fuel cell module solution. www.ricardo.com

September 2021

hydrogen

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Cummins wins funding to develop new hydrogen engine CUMMINS has been awarded £14.6million, from the government-backed Brunel project, to develop a new hydrogen engine. Funding has been awarded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s Collaborative R&D competition, which backs businesses developing green automotive technology. Jonathan Atkinson, executive director of Cummins onhighway business in Europe, says “This project will significantly accelerate the pace of hydrogen engine development, ensuring that the UK is at the vanguard of this exciting new technology which will play a significant part in de-carbonising the global commercial vehicle fleet.” Lord Grimstone, minister for investment, adds: “The Brunel Project is carrying on Darlington’s long tradition of skilled engineering which will continue to grow for many years to come. We are working to build back better and greener after the pandemic and government invest-

ment in this scheme will help secure a better future for the next generation.” “The project provides further proof that the UK is leading the world in the cutting-edge, green technology that will help us leave petrol and diesel behind and achieve net zero by 2050.” The project is one of four to be awarded funding through the competition, which provides grants for research and development that helps the automotive sector make its low carbon transition. Ian Constance, APC chief executive, says: “These projects tackle some really important challenges

in the journey to net-zero. “They address range anxiety and cost which can be barriers to people making the switch to electric vehicles and they also provide potential solutions to the challenge of how we decarbonise public transport and the movement of goods. “By investing in this innovation, we’re taking these technologies closer to the point where they are commercially viable, which will strengthen the UK’s automotive supply chain, safeguard or create jobs and reduce harmful greenhouse emissions.” www.cummins.com

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ev buses

Romanian e-UpCity electric bus in trials across four cities THE e-UpCity electric bus, produced by Romanian manufacturer ATP, has been tested in the city of Târgu Mureș. The e-UpCity electric bus has been tested in five cities over recent months: Oradea, Brăila, Făgăraș, Târgu Mureș, and Turda. In Târgu Mureş, the prototype was tested for two weeks and operated for free on main

city lines. It has a range of at least 200km, according to ATP. The e-UpCity prototype has a total of 83 seats, but the number can be expanded to 95, and a length of 12.18m. ATP says the bus’ range can be upgraded to reach 360km and charging time is three to five hours. The vehicle includes components from various manufactur-

ers including CATL, ZF, Bosch, Valeo, and DANA Prestolite. Mircea Cirţ, president of ATP Group, says: “Feedback from the cities where the prototype was tested was good. The goal is to test it in as many cities in Romania as possible by the end of the year in order to collect data to evaluate it properly.” atp-bus.com/en

ADL boosts zero emission sales team with new appointments A L E X A N DER Dennis has appointed Paul Leigh and Chris Churchill to its UK & Ireland sales team. Paul Leigh joins the business as sales account manager for London following a 15-year career with f looring specialist Altro in which he progressed from a manufacturing position to UK bus & coach key account manager. The newly-created role of UK & Ireland technical sales manager is filled by Chris Churchill, who has been with ADL for 11 years in a variety of roles, most recently as contracts manager for international sales projects. In his new position, Chris will support bus operators and local authorities in the specification and implementation of low, ultra low and zero emission buses and their infrastructure. ADL’s UK & Ireland sales director Martin Brailey says: “As we continue to lead the transition

to zero-emission mobility, we are delighted to add two experienced colleagues to our UK & Ireland sales team. Paul’s knowledge and relationships will be key in growing our market-leading footprint in London, where more than half of the bus fleet was built by ADL and we recently handed over our

500th electric bus. “Chris’ technical expertise will further boost our delivery of turn-key zero emission bus solutions to bus operators and local authorities working to decarbonise their fleet and improve air quality.” www.alexander-dennis.com

September 2021

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Wrightbus on target to have 930 employees as order book grows

WRIGHTBUS plans to create up to 300 permanent jobs after winning bus orders from the UK and Ireland. The Ballymena-based company, also says it aims to convert 120 existing temporary jobs into permanent positions as it looks to ramp up production. The firm, which was bought out of administration by green entrepreneur Jo Bamford in October 2019, had just 56 members of staff when he took over. At its height, Wrightbus employed more than 1,000. Following its launch of new models including hydrogen and electric double-deck buses, the company says it is on track to

have 930 permanent employees once the new positions have been filled. Wrightbus hopes the job roles, which will include skilled, semiskilled, general operators and support staff, will all be filled in 2022. “It’s a fantastic success story, and not one many people would have imagined just a few short years ago,” says Wrightbus MD Neil Collins. “In the last two years, the company has not only been brought back from the brink, but has been reinvigorated and has seen a period of phenomenal growth. “Our order book is looking very healthy with our zero emis-

sion buses in high demand, and we have multiple conversations ongoing with a number of bus operators from across the UK and Ireland. And let’s not forget that this has all been achieved despite the terrible effects of the global pandemic over the past 18 months. “We’re building an incredible team in Ballymena and we want the best people to come and work for us. We’re aiming to increase bus production again next year, which will lead to the creation of even more permanent jobs. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be involved with Wrightbus.” www.wrightbus.com

September 2021

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CPT emphasises modal shift in response to decarbonisation RESPONDING to Transport for the North’s consultation on its forthcoming decarbonisation strategy, CPT has called for modal shift to be prioritised to reach net zero goals. The Committee on Climate Change forecasts that by 2030 there is a need to see around one in 10 car journeys switch to bus in order to remain on track for Net Zero by 2050. CPT argues that a key factor deterring people from catching the bus is unreliable journey times, and measures that keep buses out of traffic, including bus-only roads, traffic signalling and priority at junctions are necessary. It adds that alongside

investment in bus priority, other measures that will encourage bus travel must be examined, including Clean Air Zones that include cars, and road pricing and congestion charges that are levied on cars while leaving buses and coaches exempt. CPT regional manager Andrew McGuinness says: “To reduce carbon emissions from transport we need to prioritise encouraging people to choose greener modes of travel, such as the bus.” CPT’s response also highlighted that the draft decarbonisation strategy failed to acknowledge the benefits of coach travel. It points out that a 15 per cent increase in coach passenger journeys by Brit-

ish people each year could lead to approximately 47 million fewer cars on the road, saving over a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon dioxide. It is calling for more support to encourage people to travel by coach, with coach-friendly measures such as adequate parking and drop-off and pick-up points for passengers. “It was disappointing that coach was not mentioned in the draft decarbonisation strategy,” adds McGuinness, “when coaches can take up to 50 cars [off the road] and they will play an important role in the journey to Net Zero carbon emissions.” www.cpt-uk.org

TruTac highlights fleet management and driver risk products at CV Show TACHOGRAPH and compliance experts TruTac demonstrated the TruFleet system at last month’s CV Show. The fleet management control software now comes with EPMI - electronic document control which, according to TruTac, makes PSV vehicle management and compliance control easier. Approved u nder DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme, TruFleet enables transport managers to plan, organise and control all aspects of day-to-day fleet and O Licence management, including vehicle history, maintenance planning, document online storage, audit checks, safety inspections, brakes and tyres defect

reporting, LOLER checks, repairs, tax and insurance updates and tachograph calibration. TruFleet is fully compatible with TruTac’s modular suite of TruControl software to provide full visibility and control over all vehicle and driver resources. Also on display at the show was TruFleet CPT Fleet Management. Developed in conjunction with the CPT, the software provides PSV operators with a system to plan and manage all vehicle maintenance and compliance requirements using the latest technology. Additionally, TruTac showcased its latest solution for helping HGV and PSV f leet managers easily

monitor and manage the potential risk drivers can pose to compliance levels. The new DCRS (Driver Compliance Risk Score) feature automatically calculates and highlights each driver’s risk score as a risk level (very low, low, medium, high, or very high). It also calculates risk trends which, for easy data assimilation, are graphically displayed along with the driver’s overall company ranking. DCRS works within TruTac’s TruControl system, and can also auto-adjust each driver’s score to include the Earned Recognition infringement severity weighting. www.trutac.co.uk

September 2021

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First BYD eBuses for Finnish capital

BYD has delivered an additional 76 BYD eBuses to Nordic operator, Nobina, for use in the Finnish capital, Helsinki. The delivery completes an order for 119 buses, Finland’s largest electric bus order, and follows the arrival of the initial batch of 43 to Turku in June. The new Nobina fleet includes BYD’s latest 15m city eBus that had its European debut in Turku. The operator is also receiving a range of eBus models, including 23 units of the best-selling 12m model, eight units of the updated 13m variant and 44 high-capacity 18m articulated buses. Representing more than half of the buses delivered to Helsinki, the 18m articulated eBus boasts a spacious interior capable of carrying 112 passengers and can charge up to 300kW through a roof-mounted pantograph. In line with the units delivered to Turku, Helsinki’s 15m eBus offers a 47+3 seating capacity and a total passenger capacity of 90 passengers. BYD says its latest generation iron-phosphate batteries fitted to the 15m eBus can deliver a single-charge range of 400km under SORT test conditions. All of Nobina’s new 12-metre eBuses feature a tailor-made seat layout capable of carrying 72

passengers and were built at BYD’s production facility in Hungary. BYD has nearly 600 vehicles either delivered or on order with public transport operators in more than 20 towns and cities throughout Scandinavia. Collectively, BYD vehicles in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland have covered more than 25 million km, resulting in a 27,000-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions. Petri Auno, managing director, Nobina Finland, says that from mid-August, Nobina will be the biggest electric bus operator in Finland, with more than 110 BYD full electric buses working across the Turku and Helsinki regions: “I am happy and proud of this achievement. We have had an extremely tight timeframe to deliver the buses and to build the infrastructure ready for operations

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to begin. With 100 per cent commitment from all the parties, we have been able to hit this most challenging of targets. “Although this is a big step for Nobina, our passengers and for the PTAs in Finland, this is only the beginning. By this time next year, our ambition is to double the number of electric buses operated by Nobina in Finland.” BYD Europe managing director Isbrand Ho adds, “Nobina has historically been quick to embrace electric bus technology and our successful co-operation with the operator is allowing us to reach new cities and countries. “Despite the significant challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, BYD was able to complete this eBus delivery on time.” www.byd.com

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September 2021

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innovation

ADL appoints Chris Gall as group engineering director A L E X A N DER Dennis has appointed Chris Gall as its new group engineering director, tasked with developing the company’s product range in new technologies and new markets Gall will lead ADL’s engineering team to shape the direction of technology development and respond to market demands as the bus industry transitions towards a zero-emission future. Gall joins ADL from Jaguar Land Rover where he most recently held the position of chief engineer for new electrified architecture following three years on the board of a joint venture in China. Prior to Jaguar Land Rover, he

spent 17 years with Ford, several key engineering roles in across a variety of territories including the UK, USA, Turkey and Germany. Paul Davies, ADL president and managing director, says: “I am delighted we have attracted someone of the calibre of Chris Gall to

join our first-class team. With his expertise and international experience, he will be ideally placed to lead our engineering function as we develop ever cleaner and greener buses and coaches for markets around the globe.” www.alexander-dennis.com

CPT Cymru backs calls for Welsh Government to restore confidence in public transport THE need for governments to reverse messages which dissuade people from using public transport has been highlighted in an open letter to the Welsh Government from Transform Cymru which has been backed by CPT. The letter highlights the benefits of travelling by public transport and the risks associated with more people choosing to travel in private vehicles, and sets out what it believes the Welsh Government needs to do to restore people’s confidence. CPT argues that more people travelling by bus will help to

meet decarbonisation targets and climate change obligations, and bus travel caters for the needs of different users. It points out that an increase in people choosing to make journeys by car rather than by bus will worsen air pollution, increase congestion and consequently increase bus journey times, and hinder Wales’s economic recovery with fewer people travelling to towns and city centres. CPT Cymru director Joshua Miles says: “Bus is a sustainable and inclusive travel option that many people rely on to make

essential journeys, and we must reassure people that it is safe to get back on board. “The bus industry stands ready to play its part in the recovery from Covid-19 but we must have measures in place to avoid a car based recovery. Bus, which shares many of the same characteristics as other areas of society, must not be singled out in Covid-19 risk assessments, which would undermine the work operators have done to give people the confidence to travel.” www.cpt-uk.org

September 2021

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Switch Mobility appoints Mahesh Babu to leadership roles MAHESH Babu has taken up a role as chief operating officer of Switch Mobility and chief executive officer of Switch Mobility, India. Babu has more than 25 years of experience in mobility and joins Switch from Mahindra Electric where he was managing director and CEO. Under his leadership, Mahindra Electric launched six new electric vehicles including threewheel and four-wheel commercial vehicles as well as software platform, NEMO. One of the key projects under his leadership was India’s first monocoque SUV, the XUV500. He has also been helping to shape future mobility policy in India by delivering electric total cost of ownership solutions through initiatives in passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and ‘last mile’ mobility. Before joining Mahindra, he previously worked at Ashok Leyland. Andy Palmer, executive vice chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility, says: “I am delighted to announce this appointment

as Mahesh brings over 25 years’ of experience to Switch and his expertise as a CEO and track record as an EV pioneer is well-known. He joins a strong leadership team and I look forward to working with him closely to achieving our ambition to provide net zero carbon van and bus solutions globally and realising our bold sustainability objectives at Switch.” Babu adds: “Switch Mobility is determined to progress the adop-

tion of zero-carbon transportation and I am pleased to be joining such a driven and distinguished team. The uptake of zero carbon commercial mobility products and solutions globally is both a personal and professional aspiration of mine, and I believe Switch has the capability and the compelling offering to create a leading first-class global electric vehicle company.” www.switchmobility.tech

Mistral Group strengthens sales team

MARTYN Bellis has re-joined Mistral taking on the role of sales director. Bellis spent time previously with Santander and Siemens Financial Services in a variety of asset finance roles and will head up the sales and marketing team and lead the continued growth of the business. Mistral managing director Steve Low says: “We’re delighted that Martyn has re-joined us September 2021

after a very successful period with Siemens. His experience will bring a different dimension to our sales team as we develop our offering for zero emissions vehicles.” Also re-joining Mistral is Michael Gillen, who will take up his role looking after Scottish customers, and Oli Fuller joins the business to handle sales in the north east of England. www.mistral-group.com

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autonomous

Drivers back autonomous bus research in Swedish research HALMERS University of Technology and Volvo Buses have investigated how bus drivers react to an autonomous driver support system that enables buses to dock at bus stops. The results show a high level of acceptance and benefits, including a better working environment and increased safety. In 2018, Volvo Buses launched its first electric self-driving bus. Since then, several successful tests and live demonstrations have been conducted, including one with the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. The benefits of autonomous buses in depots have also been demonstrated. However, Volvo points out that even if autonomous technology already exists, there are still many other aspects that need to be taken into consideration when a vehicle’s control and decision making is taken over by automation. As part of its development work and research into automation, Volvo Buses is now testing a concept for autonomous driver support. The system assists the driver in situations that require high precision and safety, such as approaching and stopping at a bus stop. The system regulates the bus’ speed and steers automatically, allowing the driver to focus on what is happening around the bus. “Complex traffic situations place high demands on today’s bus drivers,” says Joakim Jonsson, project manager autono-

mous research projects at Volvo Buses. “With self- driving technology, there are new opportunities to create solutions that simplify their work. “At Volvo Buses, we believe it is very important to involve those who will use the technology early in its development. It enables us to find out how they respond to it, and if it is something they think they can benefit from.” In the study, researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology investigated how bus drivers react to the concept of autonomous driver support. Ten drivers conducted a total of 250 autonomous approaches at a bus stop while being filmed to see if their attention and body movements changed over time. The drivers also had to answer questionnaires and were interviewed both before and after driving. The results show that the drivers in the study were generally positive. They showed strong acceptance of the system and found it safe and convenient to use. “The study also revealed that they see many potential benefits to the system,” says Mikael Johans-

son, who is researching user understanding of self-driving vehicles at Chalmers University of Technology. “One is that the approach to the bus stop becomes easier and more precise. When drivers do not have to focus on being at the right distance from the pavement, they can pay attention to things that increase the safety of passengers both inside and outside the bus. Several drivers also believe that the system can contribute to better ergonomics with less tension in the neck and shoulders.” The driver study is another step in Volvo Buses’ autonomous journey. In parallel, Volvo Buses is also conducting a study with passengers and their experiences with autonomous buses. “Studies such as this provide important insights into our work to develop sustainable solutions for the public transport of the future,” says Anna Westerberg, president, Volvo Buses. The research project is part of Drive Sweden’s project KRABAT, which is partly financed by Vinnova. www.volvobuses.com

September 2021