National Express has begun testing a battery-electric bus at London Stansted Airport as the operator and airport assess whether electric vehicles can replace diesel buses on high-demand airport shuttle services.
The month-long trial uses a Mercedes-Benz eCitaro on the route connecting Stansted’s long-stay car park with the passenger terminal, replacing the diesel bus normally used on the service.
The shuttle covers approximately 180 miles each day, giving National Express and Stansted an opportunity to test the electric bus under regular airport operating conditions.
Electric Bus Will Cover Around 180 Miles Per Day
During the trial, National Express will assess the eCitaro’s reliability, energy consumption, operational performance and charging requirements.
The vehicle will operate the same intensive service pattern as the existing airport shuttle, covering around 180 miles daily.
Electricity used to charge the bus during the trial will come from renewable sources at London Stansted.
“We’re committed to exploring more sustainable ways of delivering passenger transport for our airport partners, and this trial is an important step in understanding where battery-electric technology can work effectively on a high-demand service pattern,” said Rafael Fernandez, Managing Director at National Express.
“Over the course of the trial we’ll be looking closely at the vehicle’s performance, energy use and charging requirements, alongside feedback from passengers and our operational teams.”
Stansted to Assess Electric Bus for Airport Operations
Airport shuttle services present a different operating environment from many conventional urban bus routes, with frequent journeys, high passenger volumes and extended operating hours.
National Express and Stansted will use the trial to determine how battery-electric vehicles perform under those conditions and what charging infrastructure would be required for wider deployment.
“The long-stay shuttle service is an ideal route to test the operational requirements of electric vehicles, and the insights gained will help inform future decisions as we continue working towards our net zero carbon ambitions,” said Nick Millar, Operations Director at London Stansted.
Passenger and operational team feedback will also form part of the assessment.
Results Could Inform Future Electric Bus Deployment
Following the month-long test, National Express and London Stansted will review the results before making decisions on the potential introduction of additional battery-electric vehicles within airport transport operations.
The trial forms part of wider efforts to reduce emissions from ground transportation associated with airport operations.
No timetable has yet been announced for replacing Stansted’s existing diesel shuttle buses with a permanent electric fleet.
