Image: Ho-Kit Lam / Go North EastGo North East, a regional bus operator serving rural areas as well as the cities of Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland, has confirmed that four new Enviro200EV single-deckers are now in operation. These 37-seater buses will serve the X66 route between Gateshead Interchange and the Metrocentre. Go North East states that each bus serves a high-demand corridor which carries more than 900,000 passengers annually.The introduction of the new Enviro200EVs marks the first real-world deployment of the model, which forms part of Alexander Dennis’ new generation of battery-electric buses. They are designed specifically for UK operating conditions and assembled domestically, incorporating the company’s in-house drivetrain system and a redesigned passenger interior. AD has said the buses are built around a ‘lightweight’ philosophy, and are approximately two tonnes lighter than comparable single deckers. Each bus is 10.9m long and features a number of accessibility upgrades including additional wheelchair space, hearing loops, and ‘audio-visual next-stop announcements’.Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said in a statement: “We’re delighted to see the first next-generation Enviro200EV launched at Go North East, marking the introduction into passenger service of a brand new, British-built electric single-deck bus. Designed with lightweight principles and featuring a new interior, these buses will set new standards for efficiency and passenger experience.”Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of Go North East, added: “We want to be at the forefront of sustainable bus travel and being the first operator to operate the Enviro200EV is an important part of this. Our new buses will make a huge difference to our customers and communities in Gateshead. Our passengers onboard will enjoy smoother, more comfortable journeys on modern vehicles while communities benefit from quieter, zero emissions buses on the roads.”The buses are charged overnight at the company’s Riverside depot, which features 24 charging points which power the 400kWh battery packs of each bus, although Go North East has not stated the technical specs of these chargers. The new Enviro200EVs form part of a wider £17 million joint investment from Go North East, the North East Combined Authority and the Department for Transport. In January, the operator deployed 29 electric double deckers from Wrightbus which are also based out of the Riverside depot.newsroom.gonortheast.co.uk, alexander-dennis.com