Optare demonstrates electric bus at UK test track
click above for a high res gallery of the Optare Solo EV
British bus builder Optare last week held a demonstration drive of its new Solo EV electric bus at the Millbrook proving ground in central England. The Solo EV is based on the company's standard Solo urban bus platform but the diesel powertrain has been replaced with an all electric one. Optare's chairman is one Roy Stanley, who also happens to hold the same position at the Tanfield Group, parent of Smith Electric Vehicles. As such, it's no surprise to find that the Solo EV uses the same type of lithium iron phosphate batteries that can be found in Smith's trucks. The bus uses a pair of battery packs with a total capacity of 80 kWh along with a 120 kW AC induction motor. There is no indication when the Solo EV will be available for purchase or how much it will cost. Optare also hasn't said what the range will be, although for urban use it will hopefully be adequate. Thanks to Stan for the tip!
Gallery: Optare Solo EV bus
[Source: Optare]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lou Grinzo 12:24PM (3/31/2009)
I'd guess that right now this bus is too expensive for the functionality delivered to be practical. But in 3 to 5 years of continuous battery development, it could easily be a major game changer.
BRT (bus rapid transit) using hybrids and EVs will be the death of many light rail plans, especially in the US. Vastly lower capital costs and flexibility in setting and changing routes, plus an ability to sell off the buses if demand doesn't materialize (compared to trying to sell off immovable train tracks) will make them much more palatable to many municipalities.
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Bob Uppendown 2:46PM (3/31/2009)
Electric buses have been in use for more than ten years in parts of Italy, and a few in France. Check out this Tecnobus website for examples http://www.tecnobus.it/home/en/prodotti.html
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Dave 10:05AM (4/01/2009)
Electric buses were in use 100 years ago in London. Hopefully this one will fare better: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/electric-cars/1358-london-electrobus-company-what-roareth-thus.html
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