London's Electric Bus Route 63 is Revolutionising Transport

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Route 63 is one of London's busiest bus services
Transport UK London Bus electrifies the capital’s first bus route with Siemens as part of the city's journey towards a green transport revolution

As one of the globe's leading smart cities, London uses tech advancements to ensure the smooth running of its transportation network, boasting benefits for both its users and the planet.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is on a mission for London to hit its zero carbon target by 2030, presenting a transport agenda aiming for 80% of travel to be by foot, bike or public transport by 2041.

This ambition extends to transitioning London's bus fleet to 100% zero emissions by 2034.

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This transition highlights a crucial development in climate tech, demonstrating how key cities can tackle air quality and slash carbon output through pioneering public transport changes.

London's electrified Route 63

Route 63, among London's most busiest bus routes, shuttles thousands of passengers daily between Honor Oak and King's Cross.

A 63 bus which has been electrified thanks to Siemens

In 2021, this route underwent a transformative shift, marking a critical step in the city's move towards sustainable public transport, with the introduction of 29 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV electric double-decker buses by Transport UK London Bus (TULB).

TULB, in partnership with Siemens and Siemens Financial Services, has now fully electrified Route 63. This partnership ensures the fleet of 29 electric double-deckers, stationed at the Walworth depot in London, are backed by robust power infrastructure, maintenance, and charging solutions, maintaining operations all day.

John Eardley, Managing Director at TULB, says: “With the strength of financial support through Siemens Financial Services, Transport UK London Bus was able to build its electric fleet, including depot, charging infrastructure and grid connection, while minimising capital expenditure.”

John Eardley, Managing Director at TULB

The Enviro400EVs, with their zero-emission drivetrains, significantly cut the route's carbon footprint and enhance air quality along its trajectory.

Electrifying London's Bus Routes: Driving the eMobility Charge

Transport for London (TfL) has achieved impressive strides in electrifying its iconic red bus fleet.

London boasts more than 1,600 zero-emission buses out of a total fleet of 9,000, positioning it with one of Europe's most extensive electric bus fleets.

Sadiq Khan says: “London has a world-class public transport network and our zero emission bus fleet is setting the standard for others to follow.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

“I'm committed to cleaning up London's air achieving net-zero carbon by 2030 and that includes delivering a zero-emission bus fleet. 

“The decarbonisation of our bus fleet… will help build a better, greener London for all.”

This shift is a cornerstone of London's strategy to enhance air quality and lessen the transport sector's environmental footprint.

Siemens is powering London's eMobility revolution

Go-Ahead London, the city's biggest bus operator, reports its electric buses have cut around 40,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, underscoring the impactful role climate tech solutions play in urban settings.

Siemens says of its collaboration to electrify London buses: “Today, Siemens is responding to the challenges of tomorrow with powerful, interoperable and scalable charging infrastructure solutions for electric vehicles. 

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“We truly believe that eMobility is crucial to achieve global climate goals, but achieving this is only possible within an ecosystem of partners who share our mission.”

Equipped with IoT-enabled hardware, software and services for AC and DC charging, Siemens ensures energy, building and transport frameworks are intelligent, interconnected and compatible.

The impact of electrifying bus routes

The International Energy Agency (IEA) views electric buses as a conduit to lower urban emissions and a greener future, with stats indicating a sale of 50,000 electric buses globally in 2023, making up 3% of the total bus market that year.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA

With the global electric bus inventory now at 635,000, the sector, valued at US$29bn in 2021, is projected to grow to US$105bn by 2028, marking a significant leap in climate tech and sustainable urban transit.

"EVs are central to the emerging global energy economy. By 2030, EVs will have cut out the need for at least five million barrels of oil daily. Cars represent just the initial wave: electric buses and trucks are up next," projects IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

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