[GB] Hybrid s/d - Optare Tempo hybrid

Since London Buses have begun trials of hybrid buses, the lowest profile of all are the 10 Optare Tempo hybrids operating with ELBG and Metroline.



Both companies have 5 of the type, operating alongside diesel powered Darts or E200Darts at the outer skirt of London. The first ones entered service as early as March this year, but all were not delivered and went into service until well into summer.



The Tempo hybrids in service in London are, somehow, built to a short length - 10.6m - than a "normal" Tempo. The drivetrain is a Allison EP40 unit, coupled with a 250bhp-rate Cummins ISBe engine. One interesting feature of the type is it uses the same batteries as the very well proven Toyota Prius hyrbid car, which should make it a bit more appealing for a maintenance point of view.



The Tempo hybrid system is a series drive, the same technology as the E200H/400H and the Wright Gemini 2 HEV. Unfortunately, it feels a bit like the latter as well - the engine keep firing up on the move, making a monotonic noise which gets rather irritating over time. Although it's not hugely important, but I can't help thinking that it (and the Gemini) could do with better sound proofing around the engine compartment to make the ride more civilised - a fate which the E400H (and the E200H that uses the same HybriDrive system from BAE Systems) managed. On the up side, it never feels underpower, even taking up a punishing load on the busy route 276 around the East End.

Optare has always been an innovative manufacturer, esp. on building "eco" buses. Whether the Tempo hybrid will win them more orders in London, a place which they, traditionally, have a poor foothold, is still to be seen. But with the hybrid Versa and Solo coming along, and if TfL have the money, we can well see a few more Optare hybrids in the capital in the next few years.