“Wow, what is that?” This is the most common reaction among passers-by who see the brand new futuristic-shaped electric buses whizzing through the streets of London. With their aerodynamic design inspired by trams, these double-deckers attract everyone's attention and admiration. But it's not just the appearance that is “frontier”: comfort, safety and technology are top notch. Let's find out together why they are so special, and whether they will become a “new classic” in place of the classic red double-decker buses (spoiler: I don't really believe in this one).
A jaw-dropping look
“Oh my God, it looks like something out of a movie!” The comment of a boy at the bus stop sums up well the effect that the new means of transport have. Irizar e-mobility, the Spanish company that designed them. The shape is halfway between a bus and a tram: aerodynamic profile, fluid lines, almost hidden wheels. “It's stunning”, confirms Andy Derz by Irizar. “It draws people on board.”
The side doors that slide open like a subway train are another “wow” detail. Inside, the wow effect continues: large windows flood the cabin with light, giving a sense of spaciousness. And there is a lot of space, thanks to the wide aisles and large seats. “It was just what we needed,” Derz explains. “Buses in London are always very crowded, so more space and light means happier passengers.”
Smart and classy technology
London's new buses aren't just beautiful and spacious. Stepping aboard feels like stepping into a high-tech living room. The seats are not only more comfortable, they also have USB ports to charge smartphones and tablets. I'm cool. The onboard screens show the next stops like on a train. Even the lighting is “emotional”, with colours that change with the seasons. “And the ride, oh so smooth!” And the ride, so smooth!
Also: at the bus stop, you will no longer need to climb onto the bus. Thanks to the low floor, you can easily get on at sidewalk level. “Lovely for old chaps like me,” comments a gentleman. And it’s not bad for those with strollers or suitcases either.
London Buses Are Safer for Everyone
Another strong point of the new buses is safety, for those on board but also for those outside. The rounded and sloping front has its own “visual personality”, but it is mainly made to reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of a collision with pedestrians or cyclists. If someone is hit, they will tend to be moved to the side rather than crushed.
There are also acoustic signals to warn passers-by, automatic speed limiters and cameras instead of mirrors to give the driver a complete view. “We put safety first”, he assures Lorna Murphy, bus director of Transport for London.
Eco-friendly with flash charging
Of course, the new buses in London are “as green as it gets”. 100% electric, with a very fast charging system. While at the two ends of the 358 line, one of the longest in London, the driver stands under the charging column and presses a button. In 6 minutes, 20% of the battery is charged. Basically, the energy for a new race. “Wow, that was lightning fast!”
This “opportunity charging” allows buses to stay in service longer, without returning to the depot. “That way we need fewer buses,” Murphy explains. “And the savings can be invested in improving service.” Frequent charging also allows for smaller, lighter batteries, reducing costs.
Buses in London, the future is electric
London is progressively electrifying the entire fleet of 9000 buses, with already over 1700 zero-emission vehicles in circulation. But these 20 pioneers of the 358 line really represent “the next big thing”. If we then also add experimentation of autonomous buses...
Murphy says their attractive and comfortable design could convince many Londoners to leave their cars at home, reducing traffic and smog. “We are redefining the image of the bus in the electric age.” And who knows, similar buses may soon arrive in other cities around the world. That would be smashing.
