Allspares (Auto) Ltd.

Archive for the ‘New Regulations’ Category

With the next round of Euro Emission regulations due to come into effect in Early January 2012, it’s not surprising that Bus manufacturers are looking at the options open to them, not just now but in the long term.

with up to 2,700 buses affected by the new laws (figures from BusandCoach.com), there is still a great deal of work to be done which will entail either a) scraping and replacing those buses or b) converting them to meet with the forthcoming  legislation.

Currently most fleet operators are using SCR (Selective Catalytic reduction) combined with a particulate capture device.  Those who use this method are required to provide the vehicle with doses of AdBlue.  This is an expensive option with costs around the £14,000 mark.

However, Electric buses have their own issues to contend with.  Firstly, they are about 75% more expensive than their diesel equivalents and a bout half a ton heavier.  Re-charging times will depend on the type of battery with the Lihtium-ion variety taking about 2.5 hours.

Range is on the low side at 100 miles (give or take) which can suit some types of routes and the batteries do need to be replaced periodically which can cost in the region of £28,000.  Running costs are low however, typically pence per mile as opposed to pounds.

So, diesel buses are less expensive initially but have ongoing maintenance costs, plus fuel and emission reduction etc.; whereas, Electric buses are more expensive initially but have low running costs, although replacement of the batteries after every 5+ years has to be factored in, as does the range of the vehicle.

Other hybrid options are available of course but my choice would be hydrogen fuel cells as a long term prospect – once they perfect a cheaper and greener method of producing the hydrogen.

As a matter of fact, the five Wrightbus hydrogen fuel cell buses that London used until recently, have just been reinstated after they were temporarily withdrawn following a minor electrical fire.

You can learn more about emission options for buses and about the fuel
cell buses in London at www.busandcoach.com