London welcomes first EV double deck buses

The first completely emissions free pure electric double decker bus has been welcomed on London streets.

The bus was designed and developed by BYD, for Transport for London (TfL) and will be part of a fleet of five, which are due to enter the service on Route 98 and will be operated by Metroline, on behalf of TfL.

BYD, TfL and Metroline are also working on creating an introduction programme which includes driver training and the installation of fast charging equipment at Metroline’s Wilesden Bus Garage in north London.

The bus is 10.2 metres in length and offers seats for 54 passengers and space for a further 27 to stand. The bus operates on BYD’s Iron Phosphate batteries which deliver 345 kWh of power and can run for up to 190 miles of typical urban driving. A recharge takes around four hours and can be completed overnight using low cost off peak electricity.

Isbrand Ho, managing director of BYD Europe, said: “The Mayor of London challenged us saying that he did not believe an electric double decker was technically feasible but we took up the challenge and in less than two years created the bus Londoners can see today.”

Leon Daniels, TfL’s managing director for Surface Transport, said: “BYD are a brilliant supplier. They lead the world in electric bus technology and we thank them for their efforts to make this new double decker a reality.”

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