Environment-friendly hybrid buses added to London fleet

A diesel-elctric hybrid bus trial is on in London. The Wrightbus diesels will be monitored, and if succesful, will see further fleet expansion.

8 February 2006
LONDON

Environmental activists in London can breathe a sigh of relief along with less carbon dioxide. Transport in London (TIL) has announced the addition of six new Wrightbus diesel hybrids to the London buses fleet. The new hybrid buses, built by the Wright Group, use innovative technology that allows them to be cleaner, quieter and use less fuel and are a part of TIL's program to clean up the emission from its buses.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said, "Air pollution affects the quality of life of a large number of Londoners causing around 1,000 premature deaths and a similar number of hospital admissions every year. I am determined to improve air quality through reducing transport emissions and if this hybrid bus trial is successful, we will expand their use across London."

Passengers can recognize the environmental friendly buses by the leafy motif on the hybrid Wrightbus buses. Over the coming months, their performance, durability and reliability will be assessed and monitored. London faces high levels of air pollution and the Wrightbus hybrid diesel buses were enthusiastically welcomed by the Mayor who said, "They will help London cut pollutant emissions and so contribute to tackling climate change and improve the city's air, as well as offering passengers a smoother, quieter journey."

The diesel hybrids will be operational from Wednesday 8 February, 2006, and will run on the London Central route 360, which goes via Elephant & Castle to Kensington (Queen's Gate) via Black Prince Road, Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, Pimlico, Chelsea Bridge Road, Sloane Square, Brompton Cross and South Kensington. The Wrightbus diesel hybrid buses promise 89% reduction in oxides of nitrogen, 83% reduction in carbon monoxide, 40% reduction in fuel use, 38% reduction in carbon dioxide, and a 30% reduction in perceived sound levels (noise reduced from 78dB to 74dB).

The buses use a 336 volt battery pack, kept at optimum power by a 1.9 litre diesel Euro IV engine. The diesel engine keeps the battery charging continuously, and even during braking when energy is normally wasted - here, regenerative braking helps charge the battery. Continuous charging allows the hybrid diesel vehicle a high operational range, getting it more kilometers per litre.

London buses are the cleanest in the UK with 60% of the fleet reaching Euro II standards, and 40% Euro III standards.