London's transport network is getting greener, with wirelessly chargeable hybrid buses soon to be tested out by Transport for London (TfL) on the capital's roads.
The buses, Alexander Dennis Enviro400H E400 vehicles, will be fitted with batteries that can be recharged when at special compatible bus stops.
There are currently four buses, which will be tested from next year on Stagecoach's 69 route. The relevant technology will be put in place at Canning Town and Walthamstow stations, where the buses will be able to charge while stationary between journeys.
Though the company have not divulged details of what they expect to come from the trials, the new buses will likely be able to run electronically for most if not all of their journey, thus reducing carbon emissions and pollution in London and elsewhere.
Speaking about the new buses, TfL said: "The buses have a diesel engine that will be used when the battery power on the bus is depleted, but it is anticipated this will only be a small amount of time, meaning emissions on these vehicles are greatly reduced."
TfL has been slowly introducing more and more buses as part of a pilot scheme to make transport in London greener, with the rechargeable hybrid buses following electric buses, zero-emission hydrogen buses and 800 hybrid buses rolled out across the capital.
Mike Weston, director of buses at TfL, said in a statement: "We are continuing our assessment of new technology in the capital that can deliver genuine environmental benefits. This trial of extended-range diesel-electric hybrid buses, utilising the latest inductive charging technology, could be a step closer to getting even cleaner double-deck buses on London's streets.
"We will be closely monitoring the results of the trials, which may help us adopt this new cleaner technology more widely in London."
