Electric open-top sightseeing bus to be tested in Paris

Big Bus Tours has announced the introduction of its first new-build, electric open-top bus, which is due to take to the roads of Paris shortly.

The electric bus is part of the company's global initiative to produce a cleaner, greener sightseeing transport experience for visitors.

The new vehicle follows substantial research and development investment by Big Bus Tours into improving air quality in the cities they operate in. The company’s global research commenced two years ago with the launch of retro-fitted Dennis Condors in Washington DC, renovated to open top for sightseeing purposes. The buses were converted from diesel to pure electric drive, with power provided by lithium ion batteries.

The new electric bus, set to launch in Paris, is the first purpose built electric vehicle by Big Bus Tours. Rather than retrofitting former diesel vehicles, this brand new electric bus was commissioned from their long term partner Ankai Automotive, following the success of the Washington DC roll out.

Testing will take place, once the bespoke bus is operating on the streets of Paris, with Big Bus Tours using the findings to produce its future purchasing strategy, considering the part electric vehicles will play in this, alongside other more traditional and other new energy alternatives.