Optare’s Euro 6 Solo SR and MetroCity diesel-powered buses have gained low carbon accreditation for their low emissions.

The Solo SR and MetroCity with Euro 6 115kW engines and Allison 2100 transmissions are now certified Low Carbon Emissions Buses (LCEB) after passing the Millbrook London Transport Bus test cycle developed by Transport for London and Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd.

Low carbon emission buses are defined by the Government as those producing 30% less emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average Euro 3 diesel bus, The testing, developed by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP), measures GHG emissions from the vehicle and from the fuel production when the bus is carrying its maximum passenger load.

Enrico Vassallo, CEO of Optare, said, “The project to achieve this certification began in October 2013.  We are extremely pleased to announce the Solo SR and MetroCity are now Low Carbon Emissions Buses. As well as the environmental benefit this development brings, customers will see a return on their investment in the form of reduced ownership costs, such as fuel consumption, within a very short time. 

Although low carbon emission buses are also significantly more fuel efficient, in 2013 they only accounted for approximately 2% of the UK bus market.  We hope that this new development from Optare can contribute to increase the percentage of low carbon buses on UK roads.”

Ken Anderson, Engineering Director, Optare, “Emissions and fuel economy are at the forefront of our customer’s minds with the ever present pressure of running costs.  Optare’s innovative solution follows 12 months of rigorous testing and development by our own engineering team.  The Optare Solo SR and MetroCity Low Carbon Emission Buses have been developed with intelligent energy management, which optimises energy usage and reduces losses.  For example under the low carbon emissions testing the MetroCity yielded a fuel efficiency improvement of over 15% when compared to the standard Euro 6 diesel MetroCity.”