First we saw
the Alexander Dennis Enviro400H MMC Virtual Electric for route 69 launched at the Bus Expo, then the BYD double deck electric bus for route 98 - followed by the Volvo B5LHC with Wright SRM (2 door New Routemaster) body, and now Optare has
unveiled the Metrodecker EV!
From Optare
Optare celebrated the launch of the
Metrodecker EV prototype at an unveiling ceremony at Euro Bus Expo 2016 at the
NEC in Birmingham. The Metrodecker EV
will go into service in central London with Go-Ahead London in early 2017
to prove the concept and provide operational feedback to aid further
development. The 10.5m, lightweight,
fully electric, double deck has a passenger capacity of 96 and a forecast
range of between 105 and 145 miles on a
single charge. Optare is working on further developments to the vehicle
which will increase the range in
production vehicles to over 150 miles.
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director at
Optare, said, “As the leaders in efficient, electric bus technology a fully
electric double deck was the next logical step for Optare. The Metrodecker EV
opens the ultra-low emission double deck
market to Optare. Across all trials we have conducted on the Euro 6 diesel
version of the Metrodecker, the vehicle is consistently delivering class
leading economy. We are expecting an equally efficient performance from the Metrodecker
EV. We will be monitoring its performance closely in the capital and we look
forward to the feedback from Go-Ahead London.”
Go-Ahead London provide nearly a quarter of
London's buses with vehicles travelling 80
million miles annually on over 199 day, night and school routes. Richard
Harrington, Engineering Director for Go-Ahead London, commented: “Go-Ahead are
committed to taking care of our customers changing needs, now and in the
future. We are delighted to be able to put the Metrodecker electric bus through its paces in London. We will be
assessing performance and canvassing driver & passenger feedback on this
exciting development from Optare.”
The Metrodecker, powered by a Magtec
driveline consisting of maintenance free lithium iron magnesium phosphate
batteries is Optare’s newest addition to its vehicle portfolio. The low floor
double deck has a fully integral frame, boasts best in class kerb weight and
capacity. The vehicle will initially be
available in the 10.5m, TfL specification, but there are plans to develop a
solution for provincial customers following thorough testing of the London
vehicle.
As always, I
invite you to follow me on Twitter
and Google Plus which is @CLondoner92
