The Contracting Authority is seeking to enter into a single supplier work agreement for the supply of double-deck electric buses. It is envisaged that up to 800 buses may be purchased under this work agreement.  However, the Contracting Authority reserves the right to purchase a lower or higher amount of buses or not to place any purchase orders under the work agreement.

The buses to be provided under the work Agreement are intended to:

• be double-deck battery-electric vehicles that meet the relevant definition of a ‘zero emission vehicle’ under the European Union’s (EU’s) revised ‘Clean Vehicles Directive’ 2019/1161/EU;

• be equipped with a minimum usable battery capacity (i.e. usable energy) of 300kWh, with the batteries being capable of being recharged, at a minimum, from a 150kW power supply via a CCS 2.0 compatible charging gun;

• feature a minimum of 41 seats on the upper deck, a minimum of 19 seats (not including tip-up seats) on the lower deck and an overall capacity (including standees) of 75 passengers or greater, subject to the vehicle length not exceeding 11.50 metres;

• be equipped with a chassis incorporating a low-floor section within which the following are located:

 a wide front passenger doorway fitted with twin-leaf doors and capable of being fitted with a wide powered ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access;

 a permanent wheelchair space, which can be easily accessed from the front passenger doorway ramp;

 a dedicated area for the accommodation of at least one unfolded pram or pushchair or buggy, which can be easily accessed from the front passenger doorway ramp; and

 a wide centre passenger doorway fitted with a twin-leaf door and capable of being fitted with a wide manual ramp suitable for unaided wheelchair access.