London welcomes green new red bus

A new diesel-electric hybrid bus has been officially launched in London that will, when it goes into service next year, produce half the CO2 emissions and double the fuel economy of current buses.

Farewell to London’s bendy buses

The New Bus for London was welcomed into the Capital by London Mayor Boris Johnson, who has pressed through the introduction of the green new ‘red London bus’ as part of his election manifesto.

London’s first dedicated all-new bus in over 50 years, the New Bus for London was inspired by the iconic Routemaster. It was created partly to replace the controversial ‘bendy buses’, but also to be much more environmentally friendly than current buses.

To help achieve this, it uses a diesel-electric drivetrain that works as a range extender, similar to a Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera. An electric motor drives the wheels, with a 4.5-litre turbodiesel providing power to charge a 75 kWh battery pack.

Impressively, the New Bus for London offers zero tailpipe emissions (and silent) electric-only running so long as the batteries are topped up.

The rear step-off deck returns too. It will be manned by a conductor but the driver can also operate the rear doors when a conductor is not present. The New Bus for London has three sets of doors and Oyster card terminals on all three. There are also two staircases.

The British-engineered bus is being built in Northern Ireland, and was designed by London agency Heatherwick Studio. Novel features include LED downlighters for each passenger, rather than strips of fluorescent tubes.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Christmas has arrived early in the form of this revolutionary new bus whose gleaming coat of red paint and sinuous curves will brighten the day of all who see it humming along our great city’s streets.

“It is the latest, greatest masterpiece of British engineering and design, and I am certain it will become a much-loved and iconic vehicle akin to the legendary Routemaster from which it draws so much inspiration.’