First Manchester has begun a trial of a fully electric bus in Oldham.

According to First, it is the first electric bus to operate in Oldham.

The trial started on Wednesday, March 15.

First also says it’s preparing for the full electrification of its Wallshaw Street depot in the future.

A local manufacturer was chosen for the demonstration bus, which features cab and saloon heat and air conditioning and a heated windscreen.

Rochdale-based Mellor is providing its Sigma 10 single-decker model which, is capable of carrying 70 passengers – 35 seated and 35 standing.

The trial will operate from 9.40am until 3.40pm on the 425 Oldham-Holts route and 57 Oldham-Rushcroft service for two weeks.

The bus has a range of between 175 to 210 miles (281 to 337 km) and so will be capable of operating on the Oldham routes all day from a single overnight charge.

The 10.25-metre long (33.6 ft) bus can go from 20 to 100 per cent charge in just over three hours using its two DC charging sockets.

Elsewhere in the country, battery electric buses first started to serve Londoners as part of a trial in December 2013 – just under 10 years ago.

Hundreds of such buses now serve the nation’s capital, with a commitment from the capital’s mayor that all new London buses will be zero-emission at the tailpipe, including hydrogen and electric buses, since late 2021.

ALSO READ: Hydrogen-powered Toyota light show celebrates Oldham link.

Separately, Greater Manchester has ordered an additional 50 electric yellow buses to run in Oldham, Bury, and Rochdale as part of the plan for an integrated ‘Bee Network’ public transport system.

Those buses will start to run when franchising launches in Oldham in 2024, if all goes to plan, with buses and trams finally integrated into one ticketing system.

The Oldham Times: CGI render of an electric Bee Network bus, of which 50 are on order for when franchising goes live in Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury in April 2024CGI render of an electric Bee Network bus, of which 50 are on order for when franchising goes live in Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury in April 2024 (Image: GMCA)

Speaking about the electric bus trial running in Oldham now, Rob Hughes, operations director of First Manchester, said: “This is an important step in our learning and use of all-electric buses as we prepare for the transition of our fleet here in Oldham away from diesel vehicles.

“The trial will give us valuable insight into daily running, operational performance and charging requirements of electric buses.

“We will also be gaining feedback from customers on their experience of zero-emission travel and its benefits including improved air quality and quieter streets that will come with the introduction of electric buses to our fleet.”

Jane Dransfield of Mellor said: “It’s a pleasure to be working with First Manchester to provide Oldham with its first zero-emissions bus.

“As a local bus builder, we’re showcasing to passengers that the North West is a home of innovation and that we’re continuing the legacy of vehicle manufacturing in the area.

“We’re excited to see First’s customers enjoying many zero emissions miles onboard our Sigma 10 and wish the team well with their maiden electric vehicle trial.”