Independent bus operator Go-coach has been trialling a 31-seat Optare Solo electric bus in Sevenoaks.
The 9.2m electric bus has been put through its paces on the town's Route 8 service. The bus has a range of about 120 miles, which makes it suitable for use on the service.
Charged overnight at the Otford depot, the bus needs about £9.90 of electricity to operate on the route all day and has the benefit of significantly reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides and particulate matter into the atmosphere. It also provides a very smooth and quiet ride and reduces noise pollution.
Austin Blackburn, managing director of Go-coach said: 'This is emerging new energy technology that we all need to embrace. I am pleased that we could secure the use of the bus and show the people of Sevenoaks what future bus travel has in store. I would encourage people to give it a try'
Sevenoaks district councillor Dr Merilyn Canet said: 'It's good to see a local entrepreneur leading with an electric powered bus. This bus will help to protect our environment but we will need to find some sponsorship to counter the still expensive technology.
'The bus is so smooth and quiet it is lovely for travellers and pedestrians and provides clean air too'
