Press release -
Alexander Dennis’ new Enviro200EV in service for the first time
Go North East’s four single-decker buses are the first Enviro200EVs to be manufactured by Alexander Dennis.
The buses are now in service, electrifying Go North East’s X66 route between Gateshead Interchange and the Metrocentre, one of the UK’s largest shopping centres. The service carried more than 900,000 passengers in 2025.
The 37-seater buses were fully built at the Alexander Dennis factory in Scarborough. They feature a range of accessibility upgrades, such as audio-visual next-stop announcements, hearing loops and external sounders to alert pedestrians, helping to make bus travel more inclusive for everyone.
Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “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 next-generation Enviro200EV is powered by the capable Driventic Vehicle Electrical Drive System. The Enviro200EV’s lightweight design philosophy makes the buses around two tonnes lighter than other electric single-deckers, requiring less energy and increasing their efficiency.
The Enviro200EVs are based at Go North East’s Riverside Depot in Gateshead, where there are 24 charging points to power their 400kWh batteries.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said: “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. We are grateful to the Go-Ahead Group for their trust in our product as one of the first customers to choose the new Enviro200EV.”
The Enviro200EVs are part of a £17 million joint investment from Go North East, the North East Combined Authority and the Department for Transport. Thanks to this investment, Go North East have already introduced 25 new electric double decker buses to their fleet, operating on the Angel 21 and service 58.
