This is the first EV repower system for buses that provide the benefits of zero emission in operation that also makes commercial sense for the vehicle operator.

Marcus Jenkins of Magtec

The City Sightseeing bus, operated by Transdev, has become what it is claimed to be the first double-decker in the world to get an electric makeover. It has been converted from diesel to pure electric with lithium ion batteries - similar to those used by mobile phones.

York Council was awarded £75,433 to convert the bus after a successful bid to the Department for Transport. It can travel all day without needing to re-charge.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said yesterday: “This is the first electric double-decker bus conversion in the world. This sightseeing bus will not only showcase York’s many attractions, but also the huge benefits that low carbon vehicles can bring to our cities.”
See the Yorkshire Post story and Video here.

The electric bus will eliminate the emission of 33 tons of CO2.

Coun David Levene, the council’s member for transport said: “This will all feed into our draft air quality action plan which is set to go out consultation soon, which will provide residents and tourists with a better use of transport and improved air quality, which is an important issue in York.”