London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced that 68 new electric double-deck buses will join the capital’s fleet. Two routes operated by Metroline from Barnet to central London will be exclusively served by e-buses. Leeds-based Optare will supply 31 double-deckers, which will go into service next summer on Route 134, running from North Finchley bus station to Tottenham Court Road.

Optare developed its Metrodecker EV “from the wheels up,” with input from its customers, vendors and partners. Thanks to a proprietary “integral space” frame design, the e-bus weighs in at only a few hundred kilos more than the diesel equivalent, and has a plated GVW of 18,000 kg.  The London Metrodecker EVs each have a capacity of 90 passengers, and a range of over 150 miles.

“We’re committed to reducing emissions from London’s buses, and making routes 43 and 134 exclusively electric is an important step to a zero-emission fleet,” said Claire Mann, TfL’s Director of Bus Operations. “This landmark order [will create] the largest pure electric double-deck bus fleet in Europe.”

“Optare has the largest park of electric buses in the UK, and a decade of experience working with operators across the country,” said Optare Commercial Director Robert Drewery. “This order follows extensive in-service trials of the Metrodecker EV with a number of operators in London and other cities around the country over the last 12 months. The next-generation Metrodecker EV destined for London is currently in testing before entering service trials later this year.”

Source: Optare