Reading buses carry out second trial of electric double-decker
It's the second time the bus firm has tested an all-electric bus
An electric double-decker bus is being tested on Reading's iconic number 17 route for the next week.
Reading buses say they're keen to collect data on the performance of the bus in 'real-life' conditions.
From this Friday until September 17 Reading Buses will be running Alexander Dennis’s latest British bodied electric double deck demonstrator which has many features like Reading’s normal fleet.
This is the second trial of a new electric double decker since last year and provides a further opportunity to obtain data and customer impressions based on Reading Buses own operations.
CEO Robert Williams said:
“Our last trial was with a London bus, but this latest demonstrator is something more like our own specification which will make for a better comparison.
“We shall be welcoming all feedback from customers as well as drivers to help refine priorities for future orders. We will also be collecting valuable data on mileage and electricity consumption each day to assess the performance of the electric bus in ‘real-life’ conditions.
“Whilst we don’t have any plans to purchase electric vehicles at present, due to the additional purchase cost and limited range, we are still very keen to continue trialling the latest technology on offer from manufacturers for future reference, and to help refine future bids for government funding.”
The bus will be used throughout the day on the popular purple 17 route between September 9-17.