London’s Iconic Double-Deckers are going Electric

Source: BYD

London’s red double-decker buses, one of the world’s most iconic transportation systems, is testing out an electric fleet. Unlike other hybrid buses, the ones in England’s capital will be fully electric. The city has commissioned China’s BYD to manufacture a battery electric replacement for one of its bus lines.

"Many believed that a pure electric double-decker bus would not be possible due to the size of the battery packs required to power it," said London mayor Boris Johnson during this week’s Clean Bus Summit. "However by working with BYD and utilizing the latest cutting edge technology London has been able to secure another world first. The new electric double-decker trial will see the zero emission double-decker buses manufactured by BYD enter service on Route 16 from October."

The buses – capable of driving more than 155 miles, even during peak traffic hours – will be powered by lithium iron phosphate (“LFP” batteries). They will feature in-wheel traction motors that offer low-floor loading options, along with regenerative braking to reduce brake component wear.

"We are delighted to be chosen by London as its partner for the world debut of our new pure electric double-decker," shared Isbrand Ho, BYD’s managing director of European operations.

The news comes on the heels of a new IHS Plug-in Electric Vehicle Index that ranked countries based on usage of electric vehicles. It found that out of eight countries, the United Kingdom had the third-largest share of “plug-in electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) registrations in a given quarter,” with 1.2 percent. Norway and the Netherlands led the index with 33.1 percent and 5 .7 percent, respectively.

Do you think the world will follow London’s lead in turning public transit electric? Let us know by commenting below.