Transport for London has introduced a new-style electric bus on one of its routes (358) that is charged by pantograph – an arm-like structure attached to the bus roof. Used to connect to overhead charging ports at each end of the 15 mile journey, it can charge the vehicle in just six minutes. Drivers do not return to garages to recharge and fast charging means fewer buses are required on the route.
The buses also have speed-limiting technology, audible warnings to alert road users and camera monitoring for drivers.
Lorna Murphy, Director of Buses, TfL, said: “Installing new rapid-charging pantograph infrastructure on one of London’s longest bus routes is an innovative step forward, helping us to run cleaner, greener services that get Londoners where they need to be.”
Irizar e-mobility have supplied 20 tram buses for operation on route 358 and the pantograph charger at both ends of the route. EO Charging has installed the pantographs