Pantograph Technology Now Being Used to Rapidly Charge Buses on TfL Route 132

This is the latest chapter in Transport for London's zero-emission bus fleet transformation, which has included a commitment to deliver a fully zero-emission bus fleet in London by 2034, as outlined in its Bus Action Plan.

Transport for London

TfL has already pledged to make all new vehicles entering service zero-emission, and with additional funding, the target could be pushed forward from 2034 to 2030. 

TfL is collaborating with bus manufacturers to create a vibrant and competitive zero-emission market, as well as working with stakeholders to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to facilitate the transition. More broadly, the plan supports the Mayor's goal of decarbonizing the capital with clean, renewable energy and achieving net zero emissions by 2030.

There are now over 850 zero-emission buses in London, the majority of which can only be charged overnight in garages. With the varying lengths and needs of London's bus routes, the implementation of this new technology ensures that the infrastructure is in place to support TfL's zero-emission ambitions. TfL launched 20 double-decker hydrogen buses on routes 7 and 245 last year to test longer-range technology in an urban setting.

Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison)

To deliver a quick, high-power charge to buses, the new technology employs a pantograph, an arm-like structure that attaches itself to the roof. The bus communicates with the pantograph using wireless RFID technology. This technology is being used for the first time in London to power the all-electric route 132. 

The buses, which are normally charged overnight, are given a power boost by receiving a high-power current through the pantograph multiple times throughout the day; this is known as 'opportunity charging.' Each top-up takes less than ten minutes, allowing buses to travel longer distances each day. Because of the shorter top-up time and longer distance each bus can cover, fewer buses are required to provide the same high level of service.

Transport for London

Another first for London will be the trial of 'opportunity charging' with pantographs conveniently located at each end of a bus route beginning next year. One of London's longest routes is the 15-mile 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington. A standard garage fee would not be enough to sustain a zero-emission bus for the entire day.

Due to the route's length, a pantograph at each end of the route, rather than at the garage, will allow buses to receive a quick boost on the spot. Fewer buses can provide the same level of service with shorter turnaround times. The 358 route will also benefit from new buses designed to look like trams, with enhanced customer features and the iconic red livery.

Transport for London

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said:

“Londoners deserve to breathe clean air, and as part of our work to tackle the twin dangers of toxic air pollution and the climate emergency, I’m pleased that this new technology is being used on buses in south London.

“The introduction of the pantograph builds on the progress we have already made to run a cleaner and greener bus service. Transforming London’s bus fleet is an important part of the Mayor’s target of getting London to net zero by 2030, and his aim to build a better London – a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all.”

Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s Director of Bus, said:

“The threats of toxic air, climate change and congestion are becoming clearer every day, and it’s vital that we find technical solutions that help us run clean, green services that get Londoners where they need to be. When buses can travel further each day, as they do with this exciting pantograph technology, we can deliver the same service that Londoners rely on without increasing the number of buses and invest in other routes.

“The installation of the rapid pantograph charging for route 132 is a key step to help us get zero-emission buses running on routes all across London.”

John Trayner, Go-Ahead London's Managing Director, said:

"Route 132 is the latest in a long line of pioneering zero emission firsts for Go-Ahead London. Working innovatively with our supply chain, we have extended vehicle range by harnessing technology, in the process reducing the overall number of buses required to provide service and delivering significant cost savings. The vehicles have been well received by our passengers and they are helping to improve air quality for local residents."

Zero-emission buses, such as those on Route 132, help combat both toxic air and the climate crisis by emitting no harmful nitrous oxides (NOx) or carbon dioxide (CO2) from their exhausts. 

These buses, which can carry up to 80 times the number of passengers as a car in only three times the space, also help to reduce traffic congestion. Transport for London is aiming for its 9,000 buses to be zero-emission by as early as 2030, subject to Government funding.