Bus operator Go-Ahead London has taken delivery of its first Smith Edison vans, following a successful month-long trial of the technology. 

Produced by Smith Electric Vehicles in Washington, Tyne & Wear, the vans are used as support vehicles to keep London’s bus fleet running and are a key element in Go-Ahead London’s environmental programme, ‘Go Green’. 

John Trayner, Go-Ahead London’s managing director, said: “We are committed to a cleaner, safer environment and to reducing our carbon footprint. The electric vans are simply another step towards this goal.” 

Go-Ahead London, which already operates six hybrid diesel-electric buses, is the first bus company in London to operate electric support vehicles. The Edison is a pure electric version of the Ford Transit van. 

Its lithium-ion batteries deliver a top speed of 50mph, a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge and can be recharged from flat to full in six to eight hours.

The electric vans reduce Go-Ahead’s carbon footprint, are virtually noiseless when in use and have zero exhaust emissions, helping to improve urban air quality. They will be used for roadside assistance and for distributing spare parts around Go-Ahead London’s locations in the capital.