Hydrogen bus fleet unveiled in London

Date: 14/12/2010

Transport for London has unveiled its new fleet of hydrogen-powered buses, which it hopes will help cut carbon emissions in the capital.

It had its new vehicles formally launched by Mayor Boris Johnson, with the first vehicles due to run on December 18th.

The launch coincides with the opening of London's first hydrogen refuelling site and the fleet will be gradually eased into service, creating the first hydrogen bus route in the new year.

Mr Johnson said: "These buses are a marvel of hydrogen technology, emitting only water rather than belching out harmful pollutants."

He added the fleet "places London at the forefront of this revolutionary fuel cell technology."

The European Union recently introduced its Euro V rules on emissions, which Autocar suggested may mean dealers offer discounts on cars merely meeting the old Euro IV standards.

Under the new regulations, diesel-powered cars can only emit up to 500 mg of carbon monoxide per km, while the limit is 1,000 mg/km for gas and petrol-powered vehicles.

Posted by Nick Anderson