The world’s first fully electric double-decker bus was unveiled this week, a month before it goes into service on London’s roads. The near-silent vehicle, which is said to cost in excess of a whopping £350,000, is the latest addition to Transport for London’s fleet since the launch of the New Bus for London revivals that were criticised for being too hot in summer months because the windows did not open. Thankfully, this bus has windows, but, to our dismay, is without the hop-on, hop-off access that the earlier versions had.
[GizModo]This is supposedly the first fully electric double decker bus in the entire worrllldddd, and Transport for London (TfL) director of surface transport Leon Daniels stated that “We’re very proud to have it in London. We are delighted to be hosting this. This is as a result of a challenge from the mayor to tackle emissions.” While he refused to reveal its true price tag, Daniels confirmed that it would cost more than the new Routemasters which are worth £350,000 each. The vehicles are said to be able to travel 180 miles on one charge, meaning that they will be able to remain in service all day without stopping to reboot, and will start running on route 98 between Wilsden and Holborn. 5 buses are going to be put into use from April as part of a pilot project.
