Transport for London (TFL) are aiming to convert the fleet of London buses to “green” power by 2034. With 850 of the capital’s 8,500 buses already being zero emission progress is being made.
The most recent additions to the fleet are 18 double deckers on route 132. These battery powered buses are one of the first fleets in the UK to be equipped with roof mounted charging equipment that allows via a metal arm a connection to be made to charging infrastructure. In addition to overnight charging this system allows for quick top-up or ‘opportunity’ charging during the day. The charging is made from a overhead structure that can be mounted in a Bus Garage or in a Bus Station. “Opportunity” charging allows each bus to complete more miles in a day. Keeping the same bus on the road for longer means fewer vehicles are needed to operate the route. Charging can be controlled by the driver in the cab.
The buses are made by Alexander Dennis (ADL) in a joint venture with the Chinese company BDL.
TFL have recently specified “ieTram” buses on the 358 route. These are electric buses but share a number of design features with modern trams. Irizar,the manufacturers, claim the design combines the "ease of access and internal configuration of a tram with the flexibility of a city bus." These are due to be introduced in 2023. They will also be fitted with "opportunity" charging.
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