New electric buses that look like trams have started to run on a south London bus route.

The vehicles will be seen from today (November 20) on one of London’s longest bus routes, the 358 between Crystal Palace and Orpington.

The buses are powered by a pantograph, which is typically seen on the roof of electric trams.

But charging through the arm-like structure attached to the bus roof will only take place at the end of its 15-mile journey, ensuring the vehicle can run without overhead cables.

This means that drivers do not need to return to garages to recharge, reducing the number of buses required on the route.

Transport for London (TfL) expects this to bring in savings that can then be invested into other areas of its network.

The new buses can be recharged in as little as six minutes, TfL added.

Other design features of the new model include speed limiting technology, audible warnings to alert pedestrians and other road users to the bus, and improved direct and indirect vision for drivers through camera monitoring instead of mirrors. 

A reconfigured seat design and slip protection on the floors aims to reduce customer injuries.

TfL has said the new fleet of 20 vehicles is the “latest milestone” in London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s commitment to deliver zero-emission buses by 2030.

The use of pantograph technology on the 358 bus route was the result of collaboration between TfL, operator Go-Ahead London and Spanish supplier Irizar.

The new 358 buses will use charging technology similar to that which powers electric tramsThe new 358 buses will use charging technology similar to that which powers electric trams (Image: TfL)

Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Mayor introducing these new zero-emission buses.

“They are the first buses of their kind in the UK, and I’m delighted it’s on the 358 route that runs through Beckenham and Penge.

“Local residents will benefit from safer travel and cleaner air as a result.”

Changes to Orpington bus station have also been made to support the new technology:

  • Stop F will become the stop for the highest frequency route – 51 
  • Stop E will remain the stop for seven routes – 358, 684, R1, R4, R5, R8, R10 
  • Stop D will become the departure stop for the three services taken from Stop F and will operate alongside services that already depart from here – B14, R1, R3, R4, R6, R9 (and the non-TfL route 477)