Planning

TfL Zero-Emission Dial-a-Ride Vehicle Trial

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

21 Aug 2025 at 11:10

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Transport for London (TfL) is initiating a public procurement process for the trial of zero-emission Dial-a-Ride vehicles, as part of their strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2034. The project is in the planning stage, and the procurement is categorised under the goods industry for electric vehicles, specifically targeting the Central Government public authority classification. The project is located in London, and the process entails an early market engagement with interested parties required to express their interest by 12pm, 18 September 2025. The contract period is anticipated to commence on 18 October 2025 and conclude by 18 March 2026, with a potential extension until April 2026, although the finalisation remains in planning status.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses involved in the production and supply of electric vehicles, particularly those ready to contribute vehicles for trial periods. Such businesses will be able to showcase their technology and capabilities to Transport for London, a major procuring authority. Companies that provide electric vehicles suitable for transporting passengers with mobility and/or long-term disabilities stand to gain a competitive advantage. The trial aims to gather precise data regarding battery performance and energy efficiency, thus opening opportunities for businesses to influence the broader transition strategy through successful demonstrations. Suppliers involved in data collection, driver training, and operational support will also find opportunities to collaborate, potentially leading to longer-term contract engagements upon successful trial completions.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

TfL Zero-Emission Dial-a-Ride Vehicle Trial

Notice Description

TfL Zero-Emission Dial-a-Ride Vehicle Trial TfL is working towards transitioning to a fully zero-emission Dial-a-Ride (DaR) fleet by 2034, with an aspirational target of 2030. This transition supports TfL's broader environmental objectives and aligns with the Mayor of London's commitment to achieving a zero-emission bus fleet. Objectives of the Transition: * Reduce the environmental impact of the DaR fleet * Improve air quality across London * Deliver a cleaner, more sustainable service for DaR users * Maintain accessibility and safety for vulnerable passengers Vehicle Trial Overview Ahead of fleet procurement decisions, TfL is seeking to trial electric vehicles currently available in the market. We invite suppliers to provide a suitable electric vehicle for a trial period at no cost. The vehicle must be appropriate for the safe and accessible transport of customers with mobility and/or long-term disabilities. For reference, please consult the linked vehicle specification document. The trial will help TfL gather essential data on battery range and energy consumption, which will inform the strategy for transitioning to an electric DaR fleet. Trial Structure To assess performance under varying conditions, we aim to conduct trials across seasonal periods: 1. Spring/Summer Period * Duration: Four weeks * Timing: Flexible 2. Autumn/Winter Period * Duration: Four weeks * Timing: Flexible Please note this time frame is flexible and subject to change. These windows are designed to capture seasonal transitions and provide a comprehensive view of operational performance. While participation in both periods is preferred, it is not mandatory. TfL welcomes alternative proposals based on vehicle availability, operational feasibility, or other supplier considerations. Requirements for Data Collection and Support To ensure a successful trial, we request the following: * Installation of data recorders to capture detailed operational data throughout both trial phases * Supplier support during the trial to ensure smooth operation and timely issue resolution * Completion of driver training prior to the trial to ensure staff are confident and prepared to operate the vehicle

Planning Information

This notice is for Early Market Engagement purposes, this is to inform the market of TfL's current strategy and business requirements as it pertains to Dial a Ride Zero emission vehicles and how to register their interest. If you are interested in providing TfL an electric Dial a Ride vehicle to trial, please contact madeleineshermer@tfl.gov.uk via email. Interest Response Deadline: 12pm (noon) 18 September 2025 Any feedback received will be reviewed, analysed, and may be considered by the project team in developing any subsequent procurement strategy for any potential procurement activity. Dial a Ride previously issued a early market engagement notice (Publication reference: 2024/S 000-015662), within this notice includes the scope and activities, you can access the requirement documents within the MSQ link here: https://forms.office.com/e/gCZGAfapTZ If you have any questions. please contact: madeleineshermer@tfl.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058c09
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050495-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

CPV Codes

34144900 - Electric vehicles

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
18 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
17 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
madeleineshermer@tfl.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E20 1JN
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI41 Hackney and Newham
Delivery Location
TLI London
Local Authority
Newham
Electoral Ward
Stratford Olympic Park
Westminster Constituency
Stratford and Bow

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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