Summary
– Tootbus, a low-emissions sightseeing bus company, has secured approval to install roof-mounted solar panels on their Wandsworth depot
– The solar panels will power the electric fleet with 100% renewable power, reducing the need for fossil fuel usage
– Tootbus aims to operate London’s first fully electric sightseeing bus fleet by 2029
– The company focuses on sustainability, converting to HVO fuel in 2021 and partnering with VEV to electrify its fleet
– Customers choosing Tootbus will benefit from lower carbon emissions, fresher air, smoother journeys, reduced noise, and a reduced environmental impact on central London.
Article
Tootbus, the world’s first low-emissions sightseeing bus company, has received approval to install roof-mounted solar panels on their Wandsworth depot, in collaboration with electric fleet solutions provider VEV. This project aims to power their existing electric fleet with 100% renewable power, generating 65,000 kWh of electricity annually, which can cover approximately 60,000km of travel per year once the fleet is fully converted to electric power. The solar panels are expected to be installed this summer as part of Tootbus’ plan to operate London’s first fully electric sightseeing bus fleet by 2029. The company has already made strides in sustainability by converting to HVO fuel in 2021, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
By transitioning to electric power and implementing renewable energy sources like solar panels, Tootbus aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. This aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability, which also includes initiatives such as a paperless ticketing system and the use of sustainably sourced equipment like wheat straw fiber headphones. Customers choosing to ride with Tootbus London can enjoy a lower carbon footprint and various benefits of electric vehicle operation, such as fresher air, smoother rides, and reduced noise pollution. As Tootbus continues to convert its fleet to electric power, the general public in central London stands to benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased noise.
Gavin Brooking, Managing Director at Tootbus UK, expressed excitement about securing approval for the solar panels, highlighting the company’s focus on sustainability. He emphasized the importance of electric vehicles in reducing emissions in the transport sector and acknowledged Tootbus’ efforts in decarbonizing its operations. VEV’s CEO, Mike Nakrani, praised the partnership with Tootbus and emphasized the role of solar power in their electrification strategy. VEV played a crucial role in securing planning permission for the solar installation, overcoming challenges such as the Grade 2 listing of the Tootbus Wandsworth depot. This project sets the stage for Tootbus to achieve its goal of operating London’s first fully electric and renewable-energy powered sightseeing fleet by 2029.
Tootbus, a subsidiary of RATP Dev, is dedicated to improving its environmental positioning through initiatives like decarbonizing its fleet and investing in sustainability solutions like solar panels. The company has been accredited for its commitment to quality management, environmental responsibility, and safety standards. Additionally, Tootbus offers unique city sightseeing tours with experiences like the Kids Tour, London Bar Bus, and Christmas Lights Tour. These tours provide an opportunity to explore cities in an eco-friendly manner, with wheelchair-accessible buses, multilingual audio guides, free Wi-Fi, and self-guided walking tours. VEV, the end-to-end fleet electrification solutions provider, helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint by designing and implementing cost-effective EV fleets tailored to specific requirements. VEV’s expertise in energy and sustainable e-mobility prepares businesses for a future driven by electrification.
In conclusion, Tootbus’ partnership with VEV to install solar panels for powering their electric fleet highlights their commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources, Tootbus is leading the way in eco-friendly sightseeing tours. The company’s efforts to operate London’s first fully electric sightseeing bus fleet by 2029 demonstrate a proactive approach to reducing emissions and environmental impact. As Tootbus continues its journey towards a sustainable future, customers can enjoy cleaner and quieter experiences while exploring iconic cities like London, Paris, and Brussels.
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