North Yorkshire-based Optare has won a contract to supply 31 all-electric double-deck buses to Transport for London (TfL), to start operation next summer (www.optare.com).

The innovative Metrodecker EV has an integral space frame design and weighs only a few hundred kg more than the diesel equivalent.

It can carry over 90 passengers and has a range of over 150 miles on a single charge.

Claire Mann, TfL’s director of bus operations, said: “Buses are crucial to reducing Londoners’ reliance on cars. With this landmark order, the largest pure-electric double-deck bus fleet in Europe will help to reduce emissions across the capital.

"Electric buses are good for air quality and improve the customer experience, with less noise and fewer vibrations, all creating a more comfortable journey.”

Robert Drewery, Optare’s commercial director, said: “Optare has the largest number of electric buses operational in the UK, with a decade of experience of working with bus operators across the country.

“This order follows extensive in-service trials of the Metrodecker EV with a number of operators in London and other cities around the country over the last 12 months.

“The next-generation Metrodecker EV destined for London is currently in testing before entering service trials later this year.”

Optare president Graham Belgum said: “This order begins the next chapter in the Optare electric-bus journey.

“The first TfL route to operate with solely electric buses began operation with an all Optare single-deck electric bus fleet four years ago.

“Optare is delighted to be supplying its buses for the first all-electric double-deck bus routes in London.”