The historic city of York has become the first UK city outside London to test a fully electric double-decker bus. Local bus manufacturer Optare delivered the first Metrodecker EV, which will join several e-buses already operating in the city, in a ceremony attended by members of the City of York Council.

Optare’s Metrodecker EV, unveiled in 2016, can carry 99 passengers, and has a range of nearly 150 miles. The company plans to increase the range to 200 miles within a year, signaling a move away from its previous mid-day charging strategy.

The new e-bus will be tested on the York Park & Ride network and selected city routes over the next month. “I’m delighted to welcome this new addition to York’s green public transport fleet. There will be at least three electric double-deckers among the 14 electric buses on our Park & Ride routes,” said Councillor Ian Gillies, Executive Member for Transport at the City of York Council.

Source: Optare