Fully electric double-decker bus to be trialled in Leeds

Credit: Optare

The Metrodecker EV is being trialled as part of First Leeds’s commitment to investing £71 million in 284 new ultra-low emissions buses for the city.

“As one of the major bus operators in Leeds, we understand the vital role we play in working with the Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Bus 18 initiative, to find solutions to reduce air pollution in the city,” said Paul Matthews, Managing Director at First Leeds. “Allied to our commitment to invest in 284 new vehicles in Leeds with the latest engine technologies that significantly reduce pollutants, I’m thrilled to welcome the trial of a fully electric double decker bus into the city.”

The new bus, which is fully electric and has zero emissions, has the capacity to carry 99 passengers and has a range of almost 150 miles from a single overnight charge.

“The Combined Authority is committed to improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions across West Yorkshire and is, through the Bus 18 initiative, working with the county’s main bus operators on the introduction of cleaner buses,” added West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Chair, Cllr Keith Wakefield. “We are also committed to monitoring the development of electric vehicle technology, such as we are seeing today and I am pleased that this ground-breaking bus has been developed by a Leeds City Region company, Optare.”

Optare, which unveiled the Metrodecker EV back in 2016, has said that the range of the vehicles is expected to rise to 200 miles on a single charge, signalling a move from the manufacturer from its previous midday charging strategy.

The new bus will be serving Park & Ride sites at Elland Road and Temple Green in Leeds.