First York trials Optare’s Metrodecker electric bus17 August 2017

York has become the first UK city outside London to trial a fully electric double-decker bus, as the city looks to make its park and ride scheme one of the most sustainable in the country.

Operator First York is testing Optare’s Metrodecker EV, which can carry up to 99 passengers and has a range of almost 150 miles from one overnight charge.

Optare unveiled the vehicle in 2016 and, with its range projected to rise to 200 miles on a single charge within a year, the manufacturer has signalled a move away from its previous mid-day charging strategy.

Robert Drewery, Optare’s commercial director, says: ‘After the success of the Optare electric buses currently operating in York, we are thrilled to be trialling the first fully electric Optare double deck in the city.

“We see this as a breakthrough in public transport and look forward to seeing these vehicles in operation across the country, improving air quality in our towns and cities.”

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Optare plc

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