Bus manufacturer drives electric deal for London
A Yorkshire firm is to provide 31 all-electric double-decker buses as part of the largest electric bus fleet order in Europe, with 68 new electric set to take to London’s streets.
The Metrodecker EV bus for London – manufactured by Leeds-based Optare – will carry over 90 passengers with a range of over 150 miles on a single charge. the firm is to supply 31 all-electric double deck buses for TFL Route 134 running from North Finchley bus station to Tottenham Court Road, which due to start operation next summer.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, this week revealed that the number of electric double-decker buses in London will increase more than tenfold, and that two routes run by Metroline from Barnet to central London will be exclusively operated by electric double-decker buses.
The Metrodecker EV has been developed from the wheels up by Optare with support from its customers, vendors and partners. The integral space frame design of the Metrodecker EV means it weighs in at only a few hundred kilos more than the diesel equivalent.
Graham Belgum, Optare president, said: “This order for our double deck product launched in November 2016 at Euro Bus Expo begins the next chapter in the Optare electric bus journey. The first Transport for London route to operate with solely electric buses began operation with an all Optare single deck electric bus fleet four years ago.
“Optare are delighted to be supplying their buses once again for the first all-electric double deck bus routes in London. However, the journey doesn’t stop here. We continue to develop and refine this technology. We look forward to bringing the next generation of electric buses to market later this year.”
Claire Mann, TfL’s Director of Bus Operations, said: “Electric buses are good for air quality and improve the customer experience, with less noise and fewer vibrations, all creating a more comfortable journey.”
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, said: “Optare are delighted at the news of this order, which follows extensive in-service trials of the Metrodecker EV with a number of operators in London and other cities around the country over the last 12 months. The next generation Metrodecker EV destined for London is currently in testing before entering service trials later this year.”
