As part of a £1.7million project which includes a £760,000 contribution from the Government's Green Bus Fund, Nottingham City Council has placed an order with Optare for eight of it Solo EV battery-powered buses.
In introducing the Solo EV, Nottingham becomes one of only three UK cities to pioneer this new clean technology.
The Solo EV emits zero emissions from its main propulsion system and its low noise level also brings environmentalbenefits.
Operating costs are around half that of a conventional diesel bus, with fuel cost savings alone estimated at £8,000 a year for each bus. Other gains come from lower repair and maintenance costs and an expected longer service life.
Andy Gibbons, Nottingham CC's public transport team leaders that diesel prices are already very expensive and costs are likely to increase. “ It's very important that we begin investing in cheaper and more sustainable forms of transport.”
The Solo EV is currently in service in Durham and later this year will also go into service in Dorset.
