The new systems will power the country’s fleet of up to 600 Enviro400ER hybrid buses. BAE has supplied systems for the first 100 buses and will supply an additional 180 systems for buses next year.
The technology builds on the company’s 20 years-plus of innovation that is already powering more than 13,000 buses around the world.
The Irish buses are the first in the world to benefit from the company’s new plug-in technology. This means that as well as using the efficient onboard generator to charge itself while the bus is on the move, they can now plug into the grid for power, giving operators another way to recharge their buses.
Paul Davies, president and managing director at Alexander Dennis, which is based near Falkirk, said: “This new generation of double deck buses for Ireland once again demonstrates that with ADL’s focus on innovation, we are building the buses our cities need to solve their transport challenges.”
Ian Wilson, director of business development for power and propulsion solutions at BAE Systems, added: “Clean transportation technology in our cities is critical to reach a zero emission future.
“Our system will help Ireland take the next step towards full electrification and improve the air quality where people live, work and visit.”
BAE Systems develops and services its technology at its facilities in Endicott, New York, and Rochester in the UK.