London's Electric Buses Critical in Drive to Zero Emissions
Recognised as a leading smart city globally, London utilises technological advancements to enhance its transport system, benefiting both residents and the environment.
Mayor Sadiq Khan is actively pushing for the city to achieve its zero-carbon target by 2030, coupled with a transportation vision where 80% of all trips are made by foot, bike or public transport by 2041.
This vision includes transitioning to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2034.
This initiative signifies a major step forward in climate tech advancements, illustrating how leading urban areas can combat air pollution and slash carbon emissions with innovative public transportation methods.
London's Route 63
Route 63, one of London's busiest bus lines, plays a crucial role in transporting thousands daily between Honor Oak and King's Cross.
In 2021, this route underwent a notable transformation, marking a significant milestone in the shift towards sustainable public transport with Transport UK London Bus (TULB) rolling out 29 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV electric double-deckers.
The complete electrification of this service has been achieved through a collaboration with Siemens and Siemens Financial Services, ensuring the fleet of 29 electric buses based at London's Walworth depot benefits from comprehensive power infrastructure, maintenance and charging facilities to operate effectively all day.
John Eardley, Managing Director at TULB, says: “With the strength of financial support through Siemens Financial Services, Transport UK London Bus was able to build its electric fleet, including depot, charging infrastructure and grid connection, while minimising capital expenditure.”
The environmental impact is significantly reduced along the route, improving London's air quality.
London's eMobility revolution
Transport for London (TfL) has successfully embarked on its mission to electrify the city's iconic red buses.
Today, London boasts one of Europe's largest electric bus fleets, with more than 1,600 zero-emission buses out of a total of 9,000.
Sadiq Khan says: “London has a world-class public transport network and our zero emission bus fleet is setting the standard for others to follow.
“I'm committed to cleaning up London's air achieving net-zero carbon by 2030 and that includes delivering a zero-emission bus fleet.
“The decarbonisation of our bus fleet… will help build a better, greener London for all.”
This strategic shift is a critical component of London's broader aims to improve air quality and lessen transport's environmental impact.
Go-Ahead London, the city's largest bus operator, has reported its electric buses have helped save about 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over a decade-long period.
Siemens reflects on its endeavours to electrify London's buses, saying: “Today, Siemens is responding to the challenges of tomorrow with powerful, interoperable and scalable charging infrastructure solutions for electric vehicles.
“We truly believe that eMobility is crucial to achieve global climate goals, but achieving this is only possible within an ecosystem of partners who share our mission.”
Benefits of electrifying bus routes
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric buses are integral to reducing urban emissions and fostering sustainable futures, highlighting that in 2023, 50,000 electric buses were sold worldwide, representing 3% of total bus sales.
This growth pushes the global tally of electric buses to approximately 635,000, with the sector's worth expected to surge from US$29bn in 2021 to US$105bn by 2028.
This progress is seen as a pivotal advance in climate technology and sustainable city transport.
The agency remains optimistic about the electrification of road transport, highlighting an evolving ambition in the EV space to accommodate increasing demands.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol says: “Electric vehicles are one of the driving forces in the new global energy economy that is rapidly emerging. By 2030, EVs will avoid the need for at least five million barrels a day of oil. Cars are just the first wave: electric buses and trucks will follow soon.”
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