Bus operator Metroline has placed two separate orders with Wrightbus and Volvo for a total of 87 electric buses to run on routes in and around London.
One order is for 39 zero-emissions buses with Ballymena-based manufacturer Wrightbus to support services across the capital as well as Hertfordshire.
The double-deck StreetDeck Electroliner battery electric vehicles will operate on Routes 297 and 142, which drive through Brent, Ealing, Watford, Harrow and Barnet.
Following assessments undertaken at the UTAC test facility using the Zemo-accredited Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB) test, the Electroliner was found to produce 86% less CO2 per km than the Zemo Euro-6 diesel baseline.
Ian Foster, Group Engineering Director at Metroline, said: “Our testing of the new electric vehicle has shown an excellent level of power usage per mile, and we are confident that, working closely with the development team at Wrightbus, these figures will continue to improve.”
Meanwhile, the Transport For London (TfL) operator has also placed an order with Volvo for 48 Volvo BZL Electric zero emission single deck buses which will enter service in London during the second half of 2023.
The BZL is Volvo’s fully electric chassis platform for both single and double deck buses.
The vehicles destined for Metroline will feature MCV bodywork and will be built to TfL specification, with lengths of 9.7m, 10.35m and 10.8m.
Foster added: “We have a long-standing relationship involving all areas of our transport operations around the world, and this reflects the trust we have in Volvo delivering a reliable product with exceptional aftermarket support and service.”
