On the Cusp?

Are we on the cusp of a hybrid revolution?

If the interest in hybrids shown by manufacturers at Euro Bus Expo 2006 was anything to go by, we are. In that sense, Euro Bus Expo was a portent of things to come.

London leads the way in hybrid technology in much the same way as it has in many areas over the 100 years of the bus industry. Upon the recent launch of the world’s second* hybrid double deck, Mayor Livingstone promised the manufacturer who can bring down the cost of a hybrid to something like conventional prices a significant and sustained order.

The race is therefore on. And it will benefit those both within and without London and, indeed, elsewhere in the world.

Alexander Dennis believes its Ecoturas will break the price barrier, by 2008. But Wright, Volvo, Optare and others will want a slice of the pie.

Hybrids themselves are but a temporary solution till such time as hydrogen fuel cell technology becomes an economic reality rather than an over-priced fantasy. Expect hybrids to dominate the green bus agenda for the next ten years, at least.

 Omnibuses’ Northern Correspondent comments that Arriva is no longer running its six troublesome Eneco converted hybrid Solos in central Liverpool, having instead hired MPDs while sponsor Merseytravel seeks a solution to what are “a little more than teething problems.”
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* The first hybrid double deck was apparently over 20 years ago, by Volvo, at a time when the technology wasn’t so much up to it and there was less incentive in terms of fuel costs and environmental impacts