London's drive to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2034 has gone up another gear.

If trials and testing is successful, then the ieTram bus will soon be hitting the streets of the southeast London borough of Bromley in the form of the number 358.

Transport for London (TFL) has already committed to ensuring all new vehicles are zero-emission, and with added funding could bring forward the target from 2034 to 2030.

Following last year's launch of 20 double-decker hydrogen buses to test longer-range technology in the urban environment, the latest design resembles a tram. It will have enhanced customer gadgets, the latest bus safety features and retains the iconic London red coloring.

Irizar, the Spanish manufacturer, says it combines the "ease of access and internal configuration of a tram with the flexibility of a city bus."

Irizar e-mobility Managing Director Inigo Etxeberria added: "London is investing heavily in sustainable public transport solutions and we are honored for Irizar e-mobility to play a part in this goal.

"Our technological race continues, and this operation will see our company launching the first super-fast charging route in London, complying with the high standards set by TfL."

There are now more than 850 zero-emission buses in London, most of which are only able to be charged in garages overnight.

London's new bus will transform this. No more sleepless nights for drivers worrying about having enough juice under the bonnet in the morning.

The ieTram uses an arm-like structure called a pantograph, which gives a rapid, high-power charge to the vehicle through its roof. They will be located at each end of the route, and will need less than 10 minutes of charging.

The short top-up time and longer distance each bus can cover means fewer buses are needed to provide the same level of service, allowing resources to be reinvested into other areas of the network.

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "Londoners deserve to breathe clean air, and as part of our work to tackle the twin dangers of toxic air pollution and the climate emergency, I'm pleased that this new technology is being used on buses in south London.

"Transforming London's bus fleet is an important part of the Mayor's target of getting London to net zero by 2030, and his aim to build a better London - a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all."