The partnership of Vantage Power, dealership Ensignbus and operator Go-Ahead used the Cenex-LCV low carbon vehicle show at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, to publicly display its new hybrid tri-axle double-decker.
With a ULW of 16,060kg, the Euro 6 diesel is also fitted with Vantage’s hybrid power pack. Batteries are located on each side of the bus, in side compartments ahead of the engine bay.
The BCI-built bus was specifically designed – working with Vantage Power – with two empty side compartments to locate the batteries and hybrid equipment.
It has now completed initial testing and once its iBus installation has been certified by Transport for London (TfL) it will enter service on a trial basis with Go-Ahead.
Inside, passengers will be delighted as it is a significant improvement over existing TfL specifications, with powerful full air conditioning, at-seat USB ports, and seat-back bell pushes along with seat-back mobile phone holders.
The contoured seats appear to have more padding than standard TfL-spec seats, while upstairs the absence of hand poles – replaced by handholds on the seats – along with bigger windows than some designs, present a light airy and welcoming feel.
