Alexander Dennis working on fix for recalled Enviros

Alexander Dennis is working on a fix for BYD Enviro400 and Enviro200 electric buses that are currently under a recall notice.

The recall relates to the Hispacold heating systems aboard some of the vehicles, rather than the battery or propulsion system. The unit has a potential issue that may result in a fire when a vehicle is left unattended.

Alexander Dennis raised the safety recall with DVSA following an incident earlier this year.

Alexander Dennis promptly issued a letter to all bus operators who own vehicles which are affected. The first phase of this recall is to ensure the bus is not left unattended unless the HVAC heater system has been isolated. The root cause of the problem is currently being sought.

An interim measure to fit some electrical components, including a buzzer system, is being rolled out over the coming weeks to support operators and improve safety.

Alexander Dennis is working on developing a permanent fix for this, which is due to be implemented in all the affected vehicles.

There are 1,758 vehicles vehicles affected by the recall notice, according to the DVSA.

“The manufacturer has identified issues with the heating system unit, rather than the battery or propulsion system” – DVSA

A DVSA spokesperson said: “DVSA’s priority is to ensure everyone can travel in safe vehicles.

“The manufacturer has identified issues with the heating system unit, rather than the battery or propulsion system, and we are working with them to ensure the defect is dealt with swiftly and in the best way possible way to ensure it meets the relevant statutory safety standards.”

“…a safety bulletin has been issued to all affected operators with temporary precautionary measures to ensure the highest levels of safety are met” – Alexander Dennis spokesperson

A spokesperson from Alexander Dennis said: “As the safety of our customers’ team members, bus drivers and passengers is of the utmost importance to us, a safety bulletin has been issued to all affected operators with temporary precautionary measures to ensure the highest levels of safety are met.

“Further updates will be provided to operators on conclusion of the investigation by Alexander Dennis, BYD and impacted suppliers, in consultation with the DVSA, when we expect to provide a permanent fix to resolve the issue.

“As far as is currently known, the issue does not directly affect core driveline components such as electric motors or traction batteries. Neither is there currently any suggestion that the issue is linked to other bus fires that recently received media attention as these involved different vehicle types and technologies.”