Hybrid Buses Join London Transit Fleet

A red London bus with a BAE Systems hybrid electric drive train joined Transport for London and Metrobus, one of the city’s principal bus operators, in November. The bus, a double-deck model built by Britain’s Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), is among 17 hybrid units built by ADL and BAE Systems that will be evaluated in passenger service starting later this year.

Delivery of the bus at Euro Bus Expo 2008 in Birmingham, U.K., marks the introduction of BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion technology to the European market. The diesel-electric drive system, already in use on more than 1,500 buses in North American cities, is the world’s leading hybrid system for urban transit.

The bus delivered to the London fleet uses a lithium-ion energy storage system that increases battery life and reduces vehicle weight compared to previous hybrid designs. Lower weight further improves fuel economy and cuts emissions, and the battery system is self-monitoring and easy to service for further savings in maintenance costs. The delivery demonstrates that large bus fleets are investing in reducing their carbon emissions.