South London Welcomes Futuristic Zero-Emission Electric Buses; All About Its Features

Depending on the region’s transport system, some people may find travelling to be a relaxing or frantic experience. From trains to buses, every mode of transportation is important. Maintaining and expanding environmentally sustainable and human-benefitting transportation options is crucial. This is a big week for London transport. New electric buses are being introduced for the first time on the roads.

New Electric Buses In South London

A fleet of brand-new, “zero-emission” electric buses that resemble trams is being introduced by South London on the 358 route between Crystal Palace and Orpington, as reported by Time Out. These buses have rounded fronts and unique pantograph technology, which uses a roof-mounted arm-like structure to charge the cars. Buses can be powered up on either end of the trip. It will take just six minutes to power up these buses thanks to the new electric bus system. This eliminates the need for additional time spent on the road and garage space.

Introducing… our new electric bus 🔥

These buses will be rolled out over the coming weeks on the 358 route between Crystal Palace and Orpington 🙌

Features include:
– Brand new tram-like design
– Quilted high-back seating
– Zero-emissions at the tailpipe
– USB charging points… pic.twitter.com/6jzzVy6Klw

— TfL (@TfL) November 20, 2024

These electric buses come equipped with USB ports, palm-operated assistance buttons, and mirror-like camera monitoring for vision support. They also have speed-limiting technology and aural alerts for pedestrians and other road users. The purpose of these elements is to increase road safety and convenience.

As a creative move towards cleaner, greener services for Londoners, TfL’s director of buses, Lorna Murphy, welcomed the installation of new rapid-charging pantograph equipment on the city’s longest bus route, as reported by Time Out.

Also Read: London To Phase Out ‘Boris Buses’ After 12 Years, To Give Way To A Cleaner City With Zero-Emission Fleet

More About London’s Zero-Emission Bus Fleet

As of March 2024, 1,397 battery electric buses, 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses, and 3,826 hybrid buses make up around 60% of London’s bus fleet, which totals 8,776 vehicles. After Moscow’s 2,100 operational buses, London has the second-largest battery-electric fleet in Europe. Compared to big cities like New York, Paris, and Vancouver, the bus fleet emits less carbon dioxide per passenger km, according to Transport for London (TfL).

Following the phase-out of older buses, diesel retrofitting, and the introduction of hybrid and electric buses, all of the fleet’s buses met or exceeded Euro VI emission criteria in 2021. It is anticipated that the entire fleet will have zero emissions by 2034. TfL believes that this might be accomplished by 2030 with further financing.

Also Read: From Year-Round Stopover Programme In Oman To Country Pavillions; 7 Updates From WTM London 2024

In addition to improving the city’s air quality and encouraging sustainable transport, TfL’s 1,700 fleet of buses includes the first-ever zero-emission buses in the UK. This helps the city achieve its aim of becoming a net-zero carbon city by 2030.

Cover Image Credit: X/@TfL