London buses are to make use of an innovative new technology that will enable them to wirelessly charge their batteries while they wait at bus stands.

Known as 'inductive charging', the technology is to be trialled on up to four extended range diesel electric hybrid buses in east London from next year, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

Operating on route 69 between Canning Town and Walthamstow bus stations, the vehicles will receive a charge boost at bus stands at either end of the route, enabling them to remain in pure electric mode for longer. 

Although they will be able to use diesel engines when their batteries are depleted, it is hoped this will only be required for short periods of time.

Air quality could be improved as a result of the innovation, as it reduces tailpipe and carbon dioxide emissions.

Mike Weston, TfL's director of buses, said: "We will be closely monitoring the results of the trials, which may help us adopt this new cleaner technology more widely in London."