As part its research into green technology, The Oxford Bus Company is trialling an electric bus in service for the second time.
The ADL-BYD Enviro200EV single-decker has a range of 130-150 miles after a full charge at the Cowley depot, and will be trialled on Park & Ride services for two weeks.
The bus will also be utilised to ferry transport delegates to and from the two-day Oxford EV Summit.
The demonstrator vehicle is also fitted with the SmartVision camera system, replacing traditional side mirrors.
The two-week trial follows a similar exercise Oxford Bus Company conducted last year with a single-decker Yutong bus.
At the end of next month Oxford City Sightseeing, owned by Oxford Bus Company, will begin to introduce fully electric vehicles into its fleet, following government funding.
The operator is also upgrading some of its existing diesel buses from Euro V to Euro VI standards to improve air quality.
Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “Our latest trial provides us with another opportunity to better understand the technology and what the current standard is.
It will also enable us to better inform debate at a local level as we strive in partnership with key stakeholders to deliver a greener future for Oxford.
“We have always been committed to being at the forefront of leading the UK on environmental technology innovation and over half of our buses are powered by hybrid technology.
We are also looking forward to introducing electric buses to our Oxford City Sightseeing.”
Oxford has had a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) since 2014, but could become the first city in the world with a Zero Emission Zone, with hopes to phase out all polluting vehicles by 2020.
“The proposals for the Zero Emission Zone are great in principle, if the technology, battery capacity and vehicle range is ready for vehicles to sufficiently switch to electric in two years,” Phil added.
“The bus we have on trial can’t do a full day in service as it only has a range of around 150 miles.”
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