London Mayor Boris Johnson officially welcomes the first British built, pure electric buses to enter service on London’s roads. The four buses, in service on route H98, deliver significant air quality benefits due to zero tail pipe emissions; Lower running and maintenance costs compared to a diesel single deck bus
The four Optare MetroCity single deck buses are currently being trialled on route H98, which operates between Hayes and Hounslow. They are manufactured by Optare, part of the Hinduja Group, a British bus manufacturer based in Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire, and are part funded from the Department of Transport’s (DfT) Green Bus Fund.
The buses demonstrate Transport for London’s (TfL) continuing commitment to trialling new emission free technology in the capital. The introduction of the four pure electric Optare MetroCity buses is the first step of the Mayor’s plan for all single deck buses in central London to be zero emission at tailpipe, as part of the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone, from 2020. This brings the total number of electric buses now in service in London to six. The first two electric buses in London have been operating on routes 507 and 521 since last December. A further two are expected to enter service later this year.Passengers will notice that pure electric buses offer much lower noise and vibration levels compared to diesel vehicles, with TfL benefiting from lower maintenance and running costs.
These buses have zero tail pipe emissions, resulting in lower carbon emissions and improved air quality. The trials will help TfL develop plans for greater use of electric buses in central London in the future, contributing to the Mayor’s vision of a central London Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Mr. Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, said: “Optare’s MetroCity electric vehicle is a prime example of the UK’s manufacturing excellence, technology and innovation coming together to provide a zero emissions solution to improve air quality in London. We look forward to seeing more of these vehicles operating in London and cities across the UK and Europe in the future. Optare is crucial to Hinduja Group’s flagship company, Ashok Leyland’s future global strategy: It is the hub for the company’s expansion in Europe and Worldwide.”