27th December 2013

London's first pure electric buses

Transport for London (TfL) and operator Go-Ahead London have begun a trial of the first 100% electric buses in the UK capital.

Two electric buses, built by Chinese manufacturer BYD Auto, were handed over in a ceremony involving the Mayor of London’s Environment spokesman, operator Go-Ahead and BYD. The buses will operate on two central London routes – numbers 507 and 521 – the first in the city to be serviced by fully electric, emissions-free buses.

The 12 metre BYD ebus has already been tested worldwide in major global cities, including in Europe: Paris, Bremen, Bonn, Madrid, Barcelona, Salzburg, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Brussels and Budapest. These trials have demonstrated a range that comfortably exceeds 250 kilometres (156 miles) on a single charge in real world urban conditions – sufficient to operate for a full day without the need to recharge. This performance has also been proven in China, where 220 ebuses have been running in the southern city of Shenzhen since January 2011, covering a total of 13 million miles (21 million km).

While the vehicles offer environmental and health benefits, they also provide major cost savings. Energy consumption is around 130kWh/100 km in urban conditions. The battery takes 4-5 hours to recharge from totally exhausted at a cost of only £19.44 (US$32.14) using off-peak electricity (the buses will be recharged at night). This represents a fuel cost saving of up to 75% compared to a diesel bus.

These trials will help TfL develop plans for greater use of electric buses in the future, supporting the Mayor's vision for an Ultra Low Emission Zone. In addition to the pair of buses in this test run, another six electric buses will be introduced into the fleet during early 2014.

London has recently come under fire over its air quality. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceeds the recommended EU levels by over 50% in some areas, with the East End having the worst traffic pollution in Britain. This is a particular problem for the oldest and youngest members of society, who are more vulnerable to respiratory and heart diseases. It is estimated that more than 4,000 people die from air pollution each year in London.

Isbrand Ho, Managing Director of BYD Europe: “We are convinced that widespread adoption of the BYD ebus could have a dramatic effect on lowering pollution levels in major cities, so this development in London – one of the world’s top cities – is of tremendous importance. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with TfL and Go-Ahead."

Hybrid buses (i.e. combining electric and petrol-driven motors) already feature heavily in London with 600 now operating, Europe's largest hybrid bus fleet. By 2016, that number will almost triple to more than 1,700 – representing 20 per cent of London's total bus fleet, which carries more than six million passengers each weekday.

Hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses have also begun appearing. In December 2010, they came into service on route RV1 between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway. During summer 2013, the final bus was added to that service – making it the first 100% hydrogen-powered bus route in London.

Hybrid, pure electric, and hydrogen vehicles are still rare on a global basis. However, they are expected to expand rapidly in the next few decades.

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