May 02 2020

Abellio London are proud to launch two routes featuring the fully electric Caetano e.City Gold bus from Walworth depot. The P5 route went live on 2nd May 2020, with our next fully electric route, C10 converting in June.

A great achievement in any normal year, these launches have been even more amazing as they took place just after the national lockdown! The whole team worked wonders coming together to initiate an incredible triumph, which has seen us working towards a greener future, as the 100% electric urban bus, which includes zero emission heating, is leading Abellio into the future. Fully compliant with TfL’s Bus Safety Standard and meeting the latest environmental policies, we are proud of all that we have achieved so far. The new Caetano buses also support the Mayor of London’s commitment to improve the capital’s air quality across south London and are certifiably the safest in the city, attaining the best safety score on the ‘Bus Safety Standard’, which does not expire until 2024.

As Managing Director, Tony Wilson noted “the [electric] buses will deliver a step change in safety, driver and passenger comfort, whilst allowing Abellio to introduce zero emission electric vehicles to the fleet as we work with TfL to improve air quality in London”. We hope with these electric buses and the newly tested hydrogen bus, that Abellio London will be able to continue to lead the way in creating a cleaner environment for the next generation.  

The launch was a vital part of the project to deliver the electrification of Walworth.  As brand-new vehicles, we continue to implement improvements to these electric buses are constantly being administered to improve their capabilities and feedback is always welcome to continue to enhance our offering. 

We are proud to say, that as part of the project we have introduced one of the largest battery storage systems! This fantastic accolade means that we are able to effectively charge our buses, by optimising energy costs and its success is testament to everyone’s hard work in utilising our energy to make us as cost effective as possible.