Seattle ushers in the adoption of double-decker electric buses with next-gen technologies like inductive wireless charging in the United States with its partnership with British bus maker Alexander Dennis.
Sound Transit orders UK-based Alexander Dennis’ innovative buses
According to the press release, the city’s public transit agency Sound Transit ordered a total of 33 Enviro500EV double-decker electric bus units and 15 60-foot articulated electric buses from Alexander Dennis.
The electric buses will come with 13 300 kW in-ground inductive chargers from InductEV (formerly Momentum Dynamics). Sound Transit aims to charge the buses on route and in depots, given that almost 50% of Puget Sound region’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
Alexander Dennis plans to start the deliveries of the double-decker buses as early as 2026 through its US subsidiary Alexander Dennis Inc. Meanwhile, the bus maker’s partner, Big Rig Manufacturing, will handle the local production of the Enviro500EV double-decker electric buses in Las Vegas.
The seaport city on the West Coast plans to deploy the ordered electric buses to the new Stride bus rapid transit (BRT), which the public transit agency is currently developing near Interstate 405.
“The order was placed after we completed extensive route mapping exercises in conjunction with Sound Transit, using automotive-grade modelling to fully understand the operational requirements. This ensures that the Enviro500EV will take Stride in their stride and give riders a smooth journey experience.”
Stephen Walsh, Vice President for Alexander Dennis in North America
What’s special about the Enviro500EV?
The Stride Enviro500EV will reportedly mark the first Alexander Dennis in the North American market with the company’s next-gen zero-emission technology platform.
The electric buses integrate an efficient Voith Electrical Drive System with improved energy storage capacity. It will also signify the region’s first application of inductive wireless charging technology on double-deck buses, improving driving range and operational performance.
The system includes modules or pads with 75 kW-rated capacity. The modules can yield up to 300-450 kW per bus by combining the total number of pads.
Key specifications
Presented below are the key specifications of the Enviro500EV:
| Enviro500EV | Specifications |
| Length | 44’10¾” (13.68m) |
| Width | 8’3” (2.52m) |
| Height | 13’6” (4.12m) |
| Wheelbases | 21’1” (6.43m) + 4’11” (1.5m) |
| Overhang | 8’2” (2.48m) front / 8’4” (2.52m) rear |
| Turning radius | 40’1” (12.23m) |
| Passenger capacity | Single-staircase layout with up to 82 seats (55 upper deck, 27 lower deck) |
| Accessibility | 2 ADA-compliant wheelchair positions accessed via powered ramp at front door |
| Electric motor | Voith Electrical Drive System |
| Battery system | Modular lithium-ion battery |
| Charging system | DC plug charging with up to 150kW continuous charge rate |
| Operational range | Up to 275 miles on a single charge, subject to operational conditions |
| Climate system | Full air conditioning with zero emission heat pump for heating and cooling |
Notably, these orders will not be the first electric double-decker of Sound Transit. It has already deployed 50 Enviro500 across express routes out of Everett. The new e-buses will support the public transit agency’s operation on the new Stride bus rapid transit (BRT) along Interstate 405.
