Double-decker buses due for makeover, how 'bout this?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, UK

Click above for more high-res renderings of the Freight*Bus concept

Boris Johnson, London's latest mayor and replacement for congestion charge-loving Ken Livingstone, has started a competition called "A New Bus for London," which, as you may have gathered, looks to replace the aging double-decker people mover with something a bit more modern. Hugh Frost has answered the call with a design he calls the Freight*Bus, and it hides plenty of innovative new features in its classic two-story shape. For instance, the bus would be powered by in-wheel electric motors that would get their power from batteries (likely) or hydrogen fuel cells (much less likely). Cutting petrol out of the equation would have the obvious benefit of improving the bustling city's air quality.

When not carrying a bus-load of people, foldaway seating allows the Freight*Bus to accept standard European shipping pallets. So far, Johnson has yet to name the winner of his competition, but that hasn't stopped Frost from soliciting investors to help bring his intriguing concept to commercial fruition.

Gallery: Freight*Bus concept