Service updates: 437 715 E16

New Enviro200EV electric buses for Falcon

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, announced that it has taken a firm order from English bus operator Falcon Buses for 13 of its next-generation Enviro200EV single deckers.

The order was confirmed at Euro Bus Expo 2024 exhibition and is the first from an independent operator for the new Alexander Dennis electric single decker.

It follows Falcon Buses’ successful bid in partnership with Surrey County Council for funding from the second phase of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. When delivered in 2026, the buses will be allocated to route 436 connecting Woking with Weybridge and route 461 between Chertsey and Kingston.

The Enviro200EV for Falcon Buses will each be 10.9m long and seat up to 37 passengers. In addition to 31 fixed seats, there will be six tip-ups in two wheelchair bays, flexibly maximising travel opportunities for passengers with reduced mobility and those travelling with pushchairs. The manufacturer’s revised interior for the Enviro200EV, featuring warmer colour tones, distinctive styling lines and a revised surface finish, will create a pleasant travelling environment on board.

The zero-emission buses will be powered by the Voith Electrical Drive System in its medium-duty version. Energy will be stored in 400kWh batteries offering plenty of operational range between charges at the Falcon Buses base in Byfleet thanks to the vehicle’s lightweight design and the manufacturer’s focus on system efficiency.

Alexander Dennis Regional Sales Manager, Mark Taylor, said: “Our new Enviro200EV has been designed to replicate all the great features that have made the conventional Enviro200 Britain’s best-selling bus in an electric vehicle that cuts out tailpipe emissions and improves energy efficiency.

“For Falcon Buses, this means the new zero-emission fleet will seamlessly integrate with the company’s large number of low-emission buses, giving driving and engineering staff alike a familiar working environment and delivering fleet benefits. We’re really looking forward to supporting Richard and the team at Falcon Buses in their transition to zero-emission mobility.”

Richard Telling, Managing Director for Falcon Buses, added: “The Enviro200 has long been the mainstay of our services, with over 50 in operation and 15 examples added this year alone to give us a robust fleet that protects our bottom line.

“With this classic now upgraded for the next generation and updated with latest zero-emission technology, and offering four seats more than other vehicles of this length, the Enviro200EV was an easy choice for us. We can’t wait to start this new chapter for our business in 2026.”