Transport trial

London buses are trialling a new kind of hybrid propulsion system that promises to save fuel and lower emissions.

The GM-Allison Hybrid EP-System combines direct power from an electronically controlled diesel engine with electric power from an energy storage system.

Transport for London (TfL) is trialling the buses as part of a study into the performance of different hybrid systems and their various specifiable components such as controls, batteries and transmissions.

The hybrid propulsion system has already been used in bus fleets throughout 115 cities worldwide.

Transport for London will trial 10 buses in total. Five of the hybrid buses are part of the East London Bus Group where they will carry passengers on the 276 route between Newham General Hospital and Stoke Newington. Metroline will operate a further five on the E8 route between Ealing Broadway and Brentford.

The trials contribute to the mayor’s target of a 60 per cent reduction in emissions across London by 2025.