First West Of England Launch Revolutionary Electric Buses
Two revolutionary virtual electric buses were launched this week in Bristol. First West of England are introducing the state-of-the-art low emission buses in partnership with Department for Transport, Bristol City Council and University of the West of England (UWE).
The buses use Geo-Fencing GPS technology to run on pure electric mode in areas of low air quality, producing zero emissions. The small diesel engine only runs in areas of better air quality and simply charges the electric engine. This technology is revolutionary, there are only five in the UK, two in Bristol and three in London on a trial basis. Engineers and scientists will examine how the bus performs and crucially their environmental impact.
These smooth and quiet buses will turn heads in their striking blue colour scheme and ‘electricity’ branding.
The buses also have a unique way of charging. Once they reach UWE’s Frenchay Campus (the terminus of their route) a special plate in the ground will charge the buses wirelessly.
James Freeman, Managing Director of First West of England said: “Bristol is the perfect place to trial technology like this. During the Green Capital year in 2015 we trialled a Bio-Methane powered ‘poo bus’ so it is great that we now have another exciting trial.”
“These buses will make a massive impact to air quality as they spend a huge part of the day running on pure electric mode (almost like a tram without rails), meaning that in areas (such as the City Centre) where pollution is a problem, these buses will quite literally be a breath of fresh air”
The buses will feature on Service 72 which runs from City Centre to UWE’s Frenchay Campus via Whiteladies Road & Gloucester Road. The bus will run in full electric mode throughout the City Centre, the diesel engine automatically turns on to recharge the batteries at the start of Whiteladies Road where the air quality improves. Once the buses reach the more polluted Gloucester Road they will again revert to all-electric mode.
George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol said: “I am delighted that we have been able to launch this cutting edge technology in Bristol, as the first city outside of London to do so.
“This adds to Bristol’s growing reputation as a laboratory for change and an environmental innovator. These clean tech vehicles will help to reduce pollution and improve the health of the city, and are part of the continuing impact of our highly successful year as European Green Capital 2015.”
“My goal is for Bristol to be one of the healthiest cities in the world and that has to start with us breathing clean air.”
“I am confident this trial of new technology will pave the way for the future of electric buses in Bristol and beyond, adding to the many new sustainable transport initiatives that are currently taking place across the city.”
The buses are expected to enter service at the end of January
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For more information contact: Chris Hanson, PR Manager (West of England & Wales), First Bus, on 0117 373 6470 / 07894 785155 or email: [email protected]
First West of England has depots in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare and Wells. As a company, First is committed to delivering a safe, reliable and punctual service for its customers. It operates 580 vehicles and employs around 1900 members of staff. For more information see www.firstgroup.com/bristol or www.firstgroup.com/bath. First in West of England is also on Facebook and Twitter, at www.facebook.com/FirstWestofEngland and www.twitter.com/FirstBSA.
First Bus
FirstGroup is one of Britain’s largest bus operators with around a fifth of bus services outside London. A fleet of some 6,300 buses carries approximately 1.7 million passengers a day in a huge number of communities including 40 of the UK's largest towns and cities. We operate some US-style yellow school buses and have a fleet of coaches available for charter. We also operate the Aircoach network in Ireland.
FirstGroup plc is the leading transport operator in the UK and North America and our services help to create strong, vibrant and sustainable local economies. During the last year around 2.4 billion people relied on us to get to work, to education, to visit family and friends and much more and, each day, every one of our 110,000 employees works hard to deliver vitally important services for our passengers.
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