The single-deck buses are entirely powered by electric motors and will used to assess whether this technology can cope with the rigors of operating on a busy London route.

The rest of the funding will be used, alongside existing TfL budget, to purchase 90 hybrid buses, which deliver a minimum 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and 30% better fuel economy than conventional diesel buses.   

The operation of a green bus fleet forms part of the Mayor’s measures to tackle air pollution. In 2016 there will be more than 1,700 hybrid buses will be in service on the streets of the capital – representing 20% of the total bus fleet (8,500 buses).  This will include 600 New Bus for London vehicles – that are the greenest diesel electric hybrid bus in the world. 

Mike Weston, London Buses operations director, said: ‘London buses may be red on the outside but they are increasingly green on the inside. The Capital is leading the way on the introduction and operation of green buses and this has been recognised again this year with further funding from the Green Bus Fund.  We will continue to increase our hybrid bus fleet and will seek, where possible, to trial exciting developments in zero-emission electric technology.’