A fleet of electric buses will take over the number seven path in Milton Keynes from summertime 2013, as part of a five-year trial of the technology.
It will be the very first time in the UK that a major bus path is serviced solely by electric vehicles. electric bus trials are already taking location in a number of places – such as Coventry, Dorchester as well as Durham – however are only utilized part-time on short, light duty routes since of their restricted variety as well as the time it takes to recharge batteries.
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But the new plan will utilize wireless charging innovation to allow eight electric buses to handle all the duties of the seven diesel buses, which currently operate the service between Wolverton as well as Bletchley.
Each vehicle will be equipped with enormous 130kw/h batteries – providing them a 100-mile variety as well as a capability equivalent to around six Nissan Leafs.
The buses will get routine top-up charges throughout the day from the three wireless charging points installed along the routes.
Charge pads on the underside of each bus will sync wirelessly with pads installed under the road, in a process understood as induction charging. drivers will park over the pads for their 10-minute break, replenishing two thirds of the electricity utilized to cover the 12.5-mile path without interrupting the timetable.
The consortium of business behind the plan – which include bus manufacturer Wrightbus, wireless charging firm Arup, bus operator Arriva as well as Milton Keynes Council – believe that the switch from diesel to electric will cut tailpipe emissions by around 500 tonnes every year.
Running costs will likewise be slashed, as annual fuel costs for a diesel bus are around £23,000 per year compared to an estimated £10,000 for an electric one. as well as maintenance costs will be lower, too.