Ashok Leyland’s subsidiary Optare delivered DD Bus

Chennai / UK - Ashok Leyland Ltd of Chennai, a subsidiary and flagship company of the Hinduja Group has announced its UK subsidiary, Optare Plc of Shurton-in-Elmet has delivered its first of 21 Nos battery-electric Metrodecker double-decker (DD) buses with transport operator First York Ltd¹ of West Yorkshire, London.

Optare had received an order of 107 Metrodecker EV till now from the launch 18 months. Major orders are received from Metroline of 31 Nos in 2018 and 37 Nos in 2020.

Supplied Metrodecker EV can carry 98 passengers, capacity is currently restricted due to social distancing measures. The model delivers a range in excess of 160 miles / 256 kilometers. The buses carry a new blue-based brand for the York park-and-ride network. They have audio-visual next stop announcements, wi-fi and USB charging points.

These Metrodecker EVs are developed from prototype by Optare in a partnership with First York and the York City Council which began three years ago. They are made and fully assembled at the company’s factory in Sherburn.

Mr. Vipin Sondhi, MD and CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd, said, “We are proud of the progress Optare has been making in developing sustainable solutions for public transport. Optare has the know-how, technology and experience to help cities with reducing emissions from buses. The total Metrodecker order book is 107, and as increased adoption of EV tech happens, Optare will certainly lead this transformation. Optare continues to be a key piece in our overall strategy to be amongst the Top 10 CV makers globally.”

¹First York is a bus operator incorporated on 24 September 1987 with the registered office located in Leeds, West Yorkshire. First York Limited has been running for 33 years. It is a subsidiary of FirstGroup. Currently running buses at University of York, York Park and Ride and York Racecourse.