Nottingham buses building biggest electric power fleet 15 April 2013

Nottingham City Council has placed an order with Optare for 20 electric buses, which looks likely to leave the latter the largest EV bus fleet in Europe.

Nottingham already has eight Solo EV models in daily use, and the council says it is their popularity with users that has led to the new deal.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for planning and transportation at Nottingham City Council, says that the new vehicles, as well as the existing Optare Solos, will contribute to the city's ambitious target of achieving a reduction of 26% in carbon emissions by 2020, compared with 2005.

"We have award winning public transport in Nottingham and a strong commitment to the environment," comments Urquhart.

"These buses will help us to continue leading the way in efficient, greener transportation."

The new order consolidates Optare's position as the UK and Europe's leading manufacturer of full-size, commercially-viable, battery-powered electric buses.

Optare won the SMMT Innovation Award in November 2012 for its Versa EV model and associated fast-charging technology, and the firm's buses are seeing success not only in Nottingham, but also in Durham, Coventry, Dorset and at Heathrow Airport.

This latest Nottingham order is for 10 each of Optare's Solo SR midibus model and the larger Versa model. Although the Nottingham specifications have yet to be finalised, the largest Solo SR model can carry up to 33 seated passengers plus standees, while the largest version of Versa can carry up to 40 passengers plus standees.

All the new buses will be equipped with a rapid charge system allowing them to use charging stations being installed at the Queen's Drive Park and Ride site on the outskirts of the city. This technology will allow 'opportunity charging' during lunchtime layovers in the schedule to enable their daily range to be effectively doubled.

Part of the financing for the new buses is coming from round three of the Government's Green Bus Fund, which covers the additional cost of the electric driveline.

Optare claims that the initial purchase costs are further mitigated during the lifetime of each bus, with forecast savings of up to £8,000 a year on fuel alone, with daily recharging costs estimated at less than £10.00.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Optare plc

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