Switch Metrodecker
| Switch Metrodecker | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Switch Mobility |
| Production | 2014–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1-2 |
| Floor type | Low floor |
| Related | Switch Metrocity |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Mercedes-Benz OM934LA 250kW Full Electric |
| Capacity | 63 - 84 seated |
| Transmission | ZF EcoLife 6AP 1000B 6-speed ZF AVE 130 hub motor axle |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in) & 11.1 m (36 ft 5 in) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 4.31 m (14 ft 2 in) |
| Curb weight | 9.98 tonnes (9.82 long tons; 11.00 short tons) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Optare OmniDekka Optare Olympus |
The Switch Metrodecker (previously called the Optare MetroDecker) is a double-decker bus. It has a low-floor. It has been made from 2014 to the present day by Switch Mobility.
Metrodecker
[change | change source]From 2014 to the present day, Switch Mobility make a diesel model called the Metrodecker.[1]
In 2020, Optare changed its name to Switch Mobility.[2]
In 2023, Optare Metrodecker was replaced with Switch Metrodecker,[3] the bus interior and exterior stayed the same.
Metrodecker EV
[change | change source]From 2015 to the present day, Switch Mobility make a battery electric model called the Metrodecker EV.[4][1]
A hybrid electric model was made but no one ordered these.[1]
In 2020, Optare changed its name to Switch Mobility.[2]
In 2023, Optare Metrodecker EV was replaced with Switch Metrodecker EV, the bus interior and exterior stayed the same.
MetroDecker H2
[change | change source]In 2020, Optare made a fuel cell bus model called the MetroDecker H2.[5][6][7]
Incidents
[change | change source]In May 2022, a fire destroyed six buses at Metroline's Potters Bar garage, two buses were Metrodecker EVs. Switch Mobility told all operators to stop using Metrodecker EVs.[8] An investigation into the Potters Bar fire found that a conductive coolant had been added to the battery system of a Metrodecker EV instead of a non-conductive one, the buses returned to service later that month.[9][10]
In A Metrodecker EV operated by Go-Ahead London caught fire on 11 January 2024 while operating route 200 in Wimbledon, with the cause for the fire under investigation by the operator.[11]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Optare MetroDecker launch". Bus & Coach Buyer. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Optare Group Limited renamed as Switch Mobility Limited". Optare. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ↑ "SWITCH Metrodecker | Lightest Double-Decker Electric Bus". www.switchmobilityev.com. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
- ↑ Dalrymple, Will (4 June 2019). "Electric double deckers". Transport Engineer. Retrieved 27 January 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "Optare and Arcola announce fuel cell Metrodecker H2". RouteOne. 28 April 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ↑ "Arcola A-Drive fuel cell platform to power Metrodecker H2". RouteOne. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ↑ Hampel, Carrie (29 April 2020). "Optare launches H2 fuel cell double-decker bus". electrive. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ↑ Peat, Chris (23 May 2022). "Electric Metrodeckers grounded following fire". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
- ↑ "22 May Fire at Metroline's Potters Bar Bus Depot (3)". www.london.gov.uk. London City Hall. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ↑ "Bus Fires (1)". www.london.gov.uk. London City Hall. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ↑ Peat, Chris (11 January 2024). "Go-Ahead London urgently investigating electric bus fire". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
Other websites
[change | change source]
Media related to Optare MetroDecker at Wikimedia Commons