Bus and coach manufacturer the NFI Group has unveiled its first zero-emission, three-axle double-deck bus. The Enviro500EV CHARGE is the North American all-electric version of the company’s popular double-decker bus, and is produced by NFI subsidiary Alexander Dennis (ADL).

The 45-foot Enviro500EV CHARGE offers panoramic views, low-floor entry, reclined seating, overhead reading lights and air vents, USB ports, and Wi-Fi and multimedia capability. It seats up to 82 passengers, including 53 on the upper deck. It also features an integrated electric drive system tailored to the requirements of North American transit agencies.

The Enviro500EV CHARGE forms part of NFI’s range of zero-emission buses and coaches. The CHARGE line-up includes New Flyer’s Xcelsior CHARGE NG and Xcelsior CHARGE H2, MCI’s J4500 CHARGE and D45 CRT LE CHARGE, and the ARBOC Equess CHARGE. The Enviro500 EV CHARGE is Buy America-compliant, and Altoona testing is scheduled to start later this year.

“When we acquired ADL in May 2019, we knew that ADL’s strong international growth agenda and double-deck bus platform would mean an exciting road ahead,” said Paul Soubry, President and CEO of NFI. “We are leading the evolution to zero-emission mobility—the ZEvolution, as we like to call it—and ADL is a central part of our continued leadership and innovation.”

“The Enviro family is the world’s best-selling double-deck bus, with over 18,000 sold around the globe,” said Paul Davies, President and Managing Director, ADL. “Today we add a milestone as we unveil our first ever battery-electric, three-axle, high-capacity double deck bus designed specifically for the North American market. We are excited by the positive feedback already received from transit agencies who have trialed this vehicle.”

Source: Alexander Dennis