All-electric London tram-buses due to operate this summer

All-electric tram-buses are due to enter service on the streets of the capital in the near future, the mayor of London has said.

The vehicles, called ieTrams will operate on route 358 in south-east London, linking Orpington with Crystal Palace.

Sadiq Khan confirmed the buses, originally due to launch in early 2023, would be in use later this summer.

The 20 ieTrams were built by Spanish company Irizar e-mobility.

The electric buses will use pantograph technology for a quick-boost charge at either end of the route, allowing the buses to stay out for the full day.

A pantograph is an arm-like structure, that attaches itself to the roof of the bus, to deliver a quick, high-power charge.

Each top-up, known as “opportunity charging”, takes about 10 minutes.

The buses would have conventionally been charged overnight.

The buses have large windows and the covered wheels are believed to be safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Sliding doors and a low floor are designed to improve access and reduce “dwell time” at bus stops.