Transport for LondonHybrid buses
A diesel-electric hybrid bus
Having carried out succesful trials, we are pleased to announce that all new buses entering service will be hybrid powered after 2012!
These vehicles reduce emissions of local pollutants and carbon dioxide by at least 30 per cent compared to a conventional diesel bus.
All new buses entering service will be hybrid powered after 2012!
Six new single-decker diesel-electric hybrid buses run on route 360. If you want to ride one look at our route maps.
How hybrid buses work
The buses, manufactured by The Wright Group, have a 336 volt battery pack which provides power to the wheels via a 120Kw electric motor. The battery pack is kept at optimum power by a 1.9litre diesel Euro IV engine. In other words, an engine which would normally be found in a family car keeps the batteries charged.
When the vehicle brakes, energy which would normally be wasted is recycled and used to charge the batteries. With continuous charging of the batteries, the vehicle can achieve a larger operational range than a conventional diesel bus because it gets more miles to the gallon.
Environmental benefits
When compared with the conventional diesel buses the hybrids deliver considerable environmental improvements:
- 89 per cent reduction in oxides of nitrogen
- 83 per cent reduction in carbon monoxide
- 40 per cent reduction in fuel use
- 38 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide
- 30 per cent reduction in perceived sound levels (noise reduced from 78dB to74dB)
The results show that these buses produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and harmful local pollutants, as well as having lower noise levels.
The figures are based on tests carried out at the Millbrook Proving Ground.
