Ashok Leyland subsidiary, Optare is partnering with Tower Transit Group in the launch of two new electric routes in London with the supply of 37 Metrodecker double deck EVs.
The Metrodecker EV is designed and built at Optare’s facility in Sherburn, near Leeds.
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Optare launched a prototype in 2016 and following trials in London and in a number of cities across the UK, the company launched its second generation bus in 2018.
The Metrodecker EV entered service in summer 2019. Tower Transit’s order is the third major contract for the Metrodecker EV and the second order for the capital. By the end of 2020, 100 units of the bus will be in service.
“Optare’s win comes at a time when big cities are figuring out ways to cut down on emission [s] said Ashok Leyland MD & CEO, Vipin Sondhi.
“These 37 Metrodecker EVs will save more than 1,800 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions well to wheel in each year of operation versus a Euro 6 bus.”
Tower Transit was awarded the contract for routes 23 and C3 by Transport for London in November 2019. The routes will operate out of the operator’s Westbourne Park garage in the North West of the Capital.
Routes C3 and 23 will be Tower Transit’s first battery electric operation.
