Custom Denning to launch electric bus in the UK – report

Australian battery electric bus manufacturer Custom Denning is to launch its zero-emission Element battery electric bus in the United Kingdom followed by a hydrogen fuel cell version, according to media reports in the UK motoring press.

Route One reported the first demonstrator was likely to arrive in the UK in 2022.

In October the company, the merged bus body builder Custom and chassis manufacturer Denning, completed its first zero-emission bus at their St Marys facility in Sydney, with plans to take part in the decarbonisation of Sydney’s public bus fleet.

Features include advanced solid state LMP batteries, a two-stage electric drive motor and an advanced regeneration system, coupled with a “smart” Charging system.

Based on a Denning Australian engineered chassis and new body, the 12.5 metre long Element also includes European batteries and ZF axles and steering, making the localisation of the bus in the US more straightforward.

The company is also developing 10.2 metre and 11.8 metre platforms which will form the basis of the UK product offering, according to the report.

Initially the company will supply buses from Australia, but plans to establish a UK manufacturing presence.

Custom Denning is part of DunnGroup – Scott Dunn purchased bodybuilder Custom in 2018 and chassis manufacturer Denning in 2019.

The company has facilities in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Picture: Custom Denning Element battery electric bus

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