Electric, Hydrogen & Hybrid Electric Buses in Ireland

belfast stephen

3 wrightbus bodied Streetdeck HEV's are in build at wrighbus in Northern ireland and are in DB livery but the blue has been changed to green and graphics applyed to the side of the bus and will Carry fleet number WH 1 WH 2 WH 3

HEV is hybrid electric vehicle

ITV2

belfast stephen wrote: »

3 wrightbus bodied Streetdeck HEV's are in build at wrighbus in Northern ireland and are in DB livery but the blue has been changed to green and graphics applyed to the side of the bus and will Carry fleet number WH 2 WH 3 WH 4

HEV is hybrid electric vehicle

I heard they are to be called WH1-3 AH1-3 VH1-3 ?

belfast stephen

They will use Fleet Number WH 1 to WH 3

Stephen15

What garage is getting them and for what route?

p_haugh

Stephen15 wrote: »

What garage is getting them and for what route?

Conyngham Rd. will get them and they'll be going on the 25/a/b I believe

Dravokivich

I thought they were just going to be mimicking routes, as opposed to going in service?

p_haugh

Dravokivich wrote: »

I thought they were just going to be mimicking routes, as opposed to going in service?

They were doing that since December, trialling different hybrid and full electric buses in both Dublin and Cork.

p_haugh

Also, here a some photos of WH1 that were posted on a Facebook group. Seems they're the same body as the SG, just with the hybrid chassis underneath.

p_haugh

ITV2 wrote: »

I heard they are to be called WH1-3 AH1-3 VH1-3 ?

That's correct yeah. There'll be 9 hybrids delivered for trial to Conyngham Rd.

They are:
- 3 Wrightbus Streetdeck hybrid HEV96 (WH1-3).
- 3 Volvo B5LH/Wrightbus (VH1-3).
- 3 Alexander E400 MMC Hybrid (AH1-3).

Again, not my info, was posted on a Facebook group.

Stephen15

I'd say they'll go for whatever is the most similar to the SG so probably the Volvo B5LH option but perhaps the Streetdeck but I'd be very surprised if they go for the Enviro 400H.

punisher5112

Wonder do they have the LED dipped beams like the streetlites

Stephen15

p_haugh wrote: »

Also, here a some photos of WH1 that were posted on a Facebook group. Seems they're the same body as the SG, just with the hybrid chassis underneath.

It's looks from those pictures that the bus is going to be entering full service with DB as it's in full DB spec rather than just being a demonstrator like what DB had in the past before they made a large order for new class of buses. So what will happen to the class they don't go with will they be sent back to the manufacturers in DB spec or will they be kept even though they'll only be 3 in the entire fleet.

john boye

Stephen15 wrote: »

It's looks from those pictures that the bus is going to be entering full service with DB as it's in full DB spec rather than just being a demonstrator like what DB had in the past before they made a large order for new class of buses. So what will happen to the class they don't go with will they be sent back to the manufacturers in DB spec or will they be kept even though they'll only be 3 in the entire fleet.

They'll go back to the manufacturer. They're all only on trial.

Stephen15

john boye wrote: »

They'll go back to the manufacturer. They're all only on trial.

I just thought it looked odd that they were in DB spec

john boye

Stephen15 wrote: »

I just thought it looked odd that they were in DB spec

I'm sure they're pulling out all the stops to win the order. They can just be painted again when they move on.

dublinman1990

I have to admit. The new hybrid livery looks brilliant on that bus.

dublinman1990

A new clearer outdoor shot of the new hybrid bus

Stephen15

The window on the passenger side looks different than the usual SG side window. Looks odd

Markcheese

Are all 3 types hybrid?
Or does anybody do diesel electric buses (preferably with super capacitors for stop start)

punisher5112

Stephen15 wrote: »

The window on the passenger side looks different than the usual SG side window. Looks odd

The display is lower down near wheel arch.

Chris_5339762

I quite like the green. Clearly recognisable as DB but also as the first green(ish) bus introduced here.

Stephen15

punisher5112 wrote: »

The display is lower down near wheel arch.

That would also mean the luggage rack would be higher up as it looks on the image. Also looks like there's a cash tray beside the auto fare box which would likely allow the bus to be used with BE or UK operators after the trial period is finished.

punisher5112

Stephen15 wrote: »

That would also mean the luggage rack would be higher up as it looks on the image. Also looks like there's a cash tray beside the auto fare box which would likely allow the bus to be used with BE or UK operators after the trial period is finished.

I would say the reason for the display change is it obstructs drivers view in certain conditions.

Gael23

What are they powered by?

belfast stephen

the front passanger window is lower on the HEV's due to where the batterys are placed where the parcel shelff is

ITV2

This arrived in today.

punisher5112

ITV2 wrote: »

This arrived in today.

Gas

Stephen15

German LHD bus by the looks of things

ITV2

I believe it is Gas powered.

Gael23

ITV2 wrote: »

I believe it is Gas powered.

God help all the passengers if that bus ever is involved in a crash.

.G.

Came here wondering about that bus and here it is, drove past me down by the 3 Arena today.

markpb

Gael23 wrote: »

God help all the passengers if that bus ever is involved in a crash.

I’m sure the manufacturers and certification authorities never thought of that.

punisher5112

Gael23 wrote: »

God help all the passengers if that bus ever is involved in a crash.

db had a gas bus back in 97.

It had to be filled at the docks so I'm wondering is it the same for this one.

Meant to be quite safe.

Seems odd to be trialing again as everything is about ev now.

Stephen15

punisher5112 wrote: »

db had a gas bus back in 97.

Used to be on the 3

GM228

punisher5112 wrote: »

db had a gas bus back in 97.

It had to be filled at the docks so I'm wondering is it the same for this one.

Meant to be quite safe.

Seems odd to be trialing again as everything is about ev now.

https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0403/951847-natural-gas-powers-dublin-bus/

john boye

Stephen15 wrote: »

Used to be on the 3

Well really it used to sit abandoned in the corner of Donnybrook. Appearances in service were collector's items

punisher5112

john boye wrote: »

Well really it used to sit abandoned in the corner of Donnybrook. Appearances in service were collector's items

Very true it had many issues and also so did it's diesel version of the same model.

They were constantly off the road but some of the 1st low floor buses they ever got.

john boye

punisher5112 wrote: »

Very true it had many issues and also so did it's diesel version of the same model.

They were constantly off the road but some of the 1st low floor buses they ever got.

Yes low floor was all new back then but those ultras just weren't very good.

The gas one really wasn't helped by the going to the docks for juice arrangement.

Stephen15

punisher5112 wrote: »

Very true it had many issues and also so did it's diesel version of the same model.

They were constantly off the road but some of the 1st low floor buses they ever got.

I remember on the DL locals for a while the 111 being the main one and the short lived 59a after they were relegated from the 3. They used to be some of the lesser routes in Donnybrook such as the 63 for a time aswell afaik.

It was the same story with the last hybrid they had on the 16 before it was sold in the UK and went up in flames.

john boye

Stephen15 wrote: »

I remember on the DL locals for a while the 111 being the main one and the short lived 59a after they were relegated from the 3. They used to be some of the lesser routes in Donnybrook such as the 63 for a time aswell afaik.

It was the same story with the last hybrid they had on the 16 before it was sold in the UK and went up in flames.

They were regulars on the 54A too around that time which is where my disdain for them comes from.

AlekSmart

Markcheese wrote: »

Are all 3 types hybrid?
Or does anybody do diesel electric buses (preferably with super capacitors for stop start)

It is planned that,3 of the 9 vehicles destined for Dublin,(the MMC ADL Enviro 400H's) will feature SuperCapicator storage.

https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/enviro400h-now-ultra-capacitors/

Coincidentally,these will be the last to arrive here,with their delivery now due on May/June.

AlekSmart

ITV2 wrote: »

I believe it is Gas powered.

There is currently a somewhat unhealthy fixation with Electric/Hybrid technology in relation to the NTA's selection process.

I would be suggesting that they remove their focus from London for a bit and adopt a broader,dare I say it,more European,view of the market....

There are some operators,even in the UK,who have not fully bought in to the Electric/Hybrid "Thing" as yet....

https://cbwmagazine.com/reading-launches-gas-buses-flagship-route-17/

Markcheese

AlekSmart wrote: »

It is planned that,3 of the 9 vehicles destined for Dublin,(the MMC ADL Enviro 400H's) will feature SuperCapicator storage.

https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/enviro400h-now-ultra-capacitors/

Coincidentally,these will be the last to arrive here,with their delivery now due on May/June.

It seems to be more about a hybrid drive as well, rather than pure diesel-electric...
Its the better acceleration / reuse of deceleration/braking energy, and that systems performance that I'm interested in,
Not that the extra acceleration is as important in a city bus as it is in a tram or train for eg...

Stephen15

Anyone when these buses are due to enter service?

dublinman1990

Just saw this photo of WH1 in Broadstone. It looks really well.

Stephen15

I believe DB and not the NTA are buying the buses in the trial outright. After the trial has concluded the buses which DB like the most will be bought by the NTA the 3 which DB like the most will be kept and the remaining 6 sold on.

RuleNumber6

Stephen15 wrote: »

I believe DB and not the NTA are buying the buses in the trial outright. After the trial has concluded the buses which DB like the most will be bought by the NTA the 3 which DB like the most will be kept and the remaining 6 sold on.

Surely if the NTA are to purchase them, with public money, the procurement will need to go out to tender, and not just be based on an operator preference?

AlekSmart

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Just saw this photo of WH1 in Broadstone. It looks really well.

Perhaps of more importance,given the speed at which alternative propulsion technology is evolving,is this weeks news from ADL and Allison...

https://www.allisontransmission.com/en-gb/company/news-article/!details/2019/04/25/allison-transmission-alexander-dennis-collaborate-on-electric-version-of-world-s-best-selling-double-decker-bus

A first step in this strategic alliance is Allison’s new ABE Series electric powertrain systems for low-floor bus applications, which will premiere with the Foothill Transit launch order for Alexander Dennis’ interurban and commuter Enviro500 3-axle double decker buses in North America. The buses, which have the same footprint as a conventional single-decker bus, can carry up to 86 seated passengers, and provide superior handling and a quiet and smooth zero-emission ride.

Allisons recent acquisition of Vantage-Power (UK) appears to infer a new direction in it's European/UK alt-propulsion business.

https://allisontransmission.com/company/news-article/!details/2019/04/23/allison-transmission-acquires-vantage-power-and-axletech-s-electric-vehicle-systems-division

It remains to be seen if this new thrust will be enough to reduce the dominance of Wrightbus in the greater Irish Bus Scene.

We are entering what is potentially the most interesting Irish Public Transport era since the Bombardier days

punisher5112

Wright build quality is poor so I do wonder what the competition is like now.

Cookie_Monster

Bus connects logo on it too...

bk

The Chinese have a MASSIVE head start in building EV buses. They are now building 10,000 new EV buses every 6 weeks! That is the size of the London Bus fleet every 6 weeks.

One saving grace for European bus manufacturers is that the Chinese don't have much experience of Double Deckers, there buses are all single deckers. But it will be interesting to see where this all leads.