A zero-emissions electric bus has today begun transporting passengers in north Kent.

For the next seven weeks the bus will run the Fastrack A route between Greenhithe, Bluewater and Dartford.

It is being operated by KCC, which is only the second UK authority to invest in the technology.

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During the trial it will power up outside Greenhithe train station in under six minutes.

The Opp Charging technology means charging points can be set up at several points along routes, allowing buses to recharge in as little as 30 seconds.

The trial was launched by the leader of KCC Paul Carter this morning.

He said: “We’re very proud to be only the second local authority to trial this innovative transport scheme.

“The trial will last for seven weeks as part of Volvo and ABB’s one-year demonstration programme which will see the vehicle and infrastructure operate around the country with the majority of costs being covered by both Volvo Bus and their technical partner ABB.

“The aim of the trial is to try this new innovative electric vehicle technology for ourselves and to show that electric buses with limitless range can work for the county.

“It has great benefits for improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions which are important to all of us and will allow us to provide evidence that electric vehicles can provide both financial and environmental benefits for the council in the longer term.

“If this proves a success it will allow us to build a case to roll out similar schemes across the county.”

The bus, a Volvo 7900e, provides up to 80% lower energy consumption than an equivalent diesel bus.

Nick Page, Managing Director of Volvo Bus added: “Kent is the third location following the initial trial in Manchester in September last year and subsequently at Heathrow Airport.

“The 7900e, which is part of the Volvo Electromobility range, has been making great strides throughout Europe with successful operations in Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg."

The timetable for the service can be found here.

More on the launch on this evening's Kent Tonight on KMTV.