Written evidence submitted by BAE Systems Power and
Propulsion Solutions (EVP0028)

BAE Systems is one of the largest manufacturers in the UK, providing important industrial jobs across the country including in the North of England and Scotland. Although we are known for our defence manufacturing, we are also one of the leading manufacturers of zero emissions-capable vehicle systems. Our systems are in use on over 13,000 electric drive systems across four continents, saving 250,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year, equivalent to taking 40,000 cars off the road. Our main products in this space are Series Electric Range hybrid buses, alongside our battery electric and fuel cell electric solutions.

We are delighted to respond to the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into zero emissions vehicles.

Accelerating decarbonisation now: investing in zero emissions capable buses

BAE Systems is supportive of the UK’s drive towards full electrification of the bus sector. However, we are concerned that the sustained, long-term investment that will be required to fund the implementation of this charging infrastructure will result in a disappointingly slow roll-out of such vehicles.

In the long-term, electric and hydrogen buses will replace the current fleet of diesel buses. However, it is important that the Government recognises the opportunity created by a ‘stepping stone’ technology that allows zero emission capable buses to be rolled-out immediately. This technology is available in extended range hybrid electric technology which is needed now to kickstart the drive towards zero emissions.

Crucially, unlike battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell electric technology, hybrid systems do not require the expensive, and time-consuming installation of specialised refueling infrastructure. An ultra-low emission hybrid electric vehicle can be in service (and significantly reducing emissions when compared to a conventional diesel vehicle) within just six months. We conservatively estimate that there is a two year ‘lag’ associated with the necessary new infrastructure for battery electric or fuel cell electric vehicles, so a minimum of two years in which we would be doing nothing to reduce emissions. 

For this reason, investment in zero-emissions capable hybrid buses will allow the delivery of low emissions buses across the whole of the UK, not just the areas which have charging infrastructure in place.

The effectiveness of the very latest ultra-low emission ‘Electric Range’ hybrid technologies in supporting these goals is already proven with the success of the ADL Enviro400ER buses. As well as saving around 35% of fuel when compared to conventional vehicles, they have the ability to switch automatically to zero emission operation when entering Clean Air, Ultra Low and Zero Emission Zones. Thirty of these vehicles were recently delivered into Brighton, providing the equivalent of over 130,000 emissions-free miles driven inside the city centre each year – resulting in significant benefits to local air quality. An additional 24 are being delivered to Brighton and the first 280 of up to 600 vehicles under a framework agreement with the NTA, Ireland. Looking to the future, these ultra-low emission ‘Electric Range’ hybrid vehicles are already equipped with a plug-in capability, meaning that once full charging infrastructure is in place, these same buses can run emission-free, all of the time.

Supporting UK manufacturing in the post-COVID recovery

For the reasons described above, the inclusion of hybrid bus technology in the Government’s plans will contribute immediately to critical air quality improvements. This investment will also ensure UK bus manufacturers play a key role in the UK’s economic recovery.

We are currently in a period of severe upheaval and challenge for UK manufacturing and there are specific challenges being faced in the low emissions bus manufacturing sector. UK bus manufacturers are facing increasing challenges with orders impacted and with potentially significant commercial consequences. This was highlighted by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), our main commercial partner, announcing significant redundancies in 2020.

UK manufacturers such as BAE Systems and ADL are critical to helping all nations of the UK meet their decarbonisation ambitions. The Government must support manufacturers by providing funding for a range of low emission bus technologies through the upcoming National Bus Strategy and associated long-term funding package.

February 2021