The Prototype Affordable Zero-Carbon Small Car Has Just Been Designed
The Wrightbus Ultroliner EU6, is their latest diesel bus.
The product page has this sub-heading.
A Choice Of The
UK’s Most Efficient
Diesel Buses
Two paragraphs give full details of the bus.
The StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 is available with two ultra low emission efficient diesel engine choices: the new Cummins 6.7 litre 6 cylinder and the current Mercedes 5.1 litre 4 cylinder engine. Our StreetDeck EU6 Ultroliner and its engine choices remains the UK’s favourite. All these buses can be repowered at mid-life to zero-emission BEV technology with NewPower.
The new Cummins ISB6.7 litre six-cylinder diesel engine, married with the latest Voith DIWA.8 NXT 7-speed transmission. Two power options are available: 250Hp / 187Kw, 1000Nm and 300Hp / 224Kw, 1200Nm. With a large 245L fuel tank, this StreetDeck is ready to go the distance, wherever the journey takes it. Its MH3 technology helps lower fuel consumption during frequent stops on busy roads and improves the overall footprint and ride quality. Where ultra clean diesel buses are seen as the only option at this time, there is no better bus than the low emission StreetDeck Ultroliner range.
So you get a modern bus, that can be converted to zero-carbon at an appropriate time.
But nothing is said about conversion to hydrogen, which I believe is the ideal fuel for a large vehicle.
So I asked Google AI, if a Wrightbus Ultroliner can be converted to hydrogen-power, and received this answer.
Yes, the Wrightbus StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 can be converted to hydrogen power. Wrightbus has engineered the diesel StreetDeck Ultroliner platform to be forward-looking, allowing operators to retrofit these vehicles mid-life with Cummins hydrogen internal combustion engines.
Here are the key details regarding this conversion and technology:
Adaptable Design: The StreetDeck Ultroliner was specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional diesel and zero-emission options, making it possible to switch to hydrogen or battery-electric powertrains later in the vehicle’s life.
Hydrogen Internal Combustion: Instead of a fuel cell, this retrofit converts the diesel engine to run on hydrogen gas, providing a cost-effective route to zero emissions for existing operators.
Shared Platform: The diesel Ultroliner shares a similar “feel and features” with the purpose-built zero-emission Hydroliner (Hydrogen Fuel Cell) and Electroliner (Battery) buses, making the structural integration of alternative systems more straightforward.
Alternative Conversion Options: Third-party companies, such as Equipmake, specialize in “repowering” Wrightbus StreetDeck models to zero-emission, offering to convert diesel vehicles to electric in a short time frame, although the primary official pathway mentioned by Wrightbus for the Ultroliner is hydrogen-combustion.
The Wrightbus StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) was the world’s first production hydrogen double-decker bus, providing proven technology in cities like Aberdeen, Belfast, and London.
Note.
- The original Cummins diesel engine is converted to hydrogen fuel.
- In Cummins Fuel-Agnostic X Series Platform, I show a Cummins video, which explains their philosophy of convertible engines with trucks.
- Conversion to natural gas is also possible.
- It would appear that the Cummins ISB in the Ultroliner has a hydrogen version, that can be created by changing the fuel system and the cylinder head.
I wouldn’t be surprised, if Cummins told me, that they could make a convertible diesel, that could power a small hatchback.
Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “What is the power of a diesel Mini” and received this answer.
The power of a diesel Mini depends on the model (One D, Cooper D, or Cooper SD) and the generation, with power outputs ranging from approximately 88 bhp to 170 bhp. Diesel Minis are known for high torque and excellent fuel economy rather than just top-end speed.
Here is a breakdown of the power figures:
1. MINI Cooper SD (2.0L Diesel)
Power: Typically 143 bhp (105 kW) to 170 bhp (125 kW).
Torque: 305 Nm to 360 Nm (225–265 lb-ft).
Performance: The 170 hp 2.0-litre diesel in the 2015-2018 range is often called a “diesel hot hatch,” featuring a 0-62 mph time of around 7.3 seconds.
2. MINI Cooper D (1.5L – 1.6L Diesel)
Power: Usually between 110 bhp and 116 bhp.
Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft).
Performance: Offers a good balance of fuel economy and punch, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.4–9.7 seconds.
3. MINI One D (1.4L – 1.5L Diesel)
Power: Approximately 75 bhp to 95 bhp.
Performance: Designed for maximum fuel efficiency and lower tax bands, with lower power output compared to the Cooper models.
Key Takeaways:
Most Powerful: The 2.0L Cooper SD is the most powerful, often producing up to 170 hp.
Torque: Diesel Minis often have high torque at low revs (around 1750rpm), making them quick for overtaking and city driving.
Generation Differences: Older R56 models (2007-2014) often have 1.6L diesel engines, while newer F56 models (2014-2024) use 1.5L or 2.0L engines.
Reliability: These engines are BMW-sourced (N47 or B37/B47) and generally considered reliable.
As there are large numbers of companies around the world, who claim they can convert cars and other vehicles, and engines to hydrogen power.
Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “Has Anybody Built A Hydrogen-Powered Mini” and received this answer.
Yes, BMW built a hydrogen-powered MINI Cooper prototype in 2001.
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, this car was not a fuel-cell vehicle, but rather a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine car.
Key details about the 2001 MINI Cooper Hydrogen:
Engine: It used a modified version of the MINI’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine designed to run on hydrogen.
Technology: It was unique because it used cryogenic liquid hydrogen and injected it while super-cooled, which increased engine efficiency and performance, setting it apart from other hydrogen experiments at the time.
Packaging: Engineers managed to place the contoured hydrogen tank under the rear seats, meaning it did not sacrifice cabin or cargo space compared to a standard Mini.
Legacy: While not mass-produced, it was a significant prototype in BMW’s long-standing research into hydrogen technology.
Other Hydrogen “Mini” Projects:
Mini Mirai RC Car: Toyota and Tamiya built a 1/10th scale hydrogen-fuelled remote-controlled car in 2021. It used a small fuel cell and hydrogen canisters to run for twice the duration of a conventional battery-powered RC car.
Small Engines: Israeli firm Aquarius Engines has developed a 10kg hydrogen-powered engine intended for use as a range extender, which has passed independent testing.
Conclusion
I believe that in the next few years, a serious manufacturer will release a diesel car that can be converted to hydrogen power.
Eventually, this will mean that government can withdraw fossil fuels for road vehicles.
How Much B12 In An M & S Lamb Hot Pot For One?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Based on typical nutritional values for lamb-based ready meals, a 400g–450g M&S Lamb Hot Pot for One is likely to provide a significant portion of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, estimated to be well over 1.5–2 micrograms (g) per serving.
Lamb Content: The M&S Lamb Hot Pot contains approximately 21% cooked lamb.
B12 Density: Cooked lamb generally provides around 2–3 micrograms (g) of Vitamin B12 per 100g of meat.
Total Content: In a 450g meal containing roughly 90-100g of lamb, the B12 content is likely to fall within a range that comfortably covers or exceeds 50% of the daily adult requirement (which is 2.4g in the US and 1.5g in the UK).
The meal also provides roughly 25-29g of protein per pack.
As I would have expected, this ready meal is a good source of B12.
Travelling Between Heathrow Airport And Staines Station
Staines Station and Heathrow Airport are not far apart, as this OpenRailwayMap shows.
Note.
- The mauve lines in the bottom half of the map are South West Trains services out of Waterloo.
- Waterloo via Feltham, Twickenham and Richmond to name but three stations , is to the East.
- Reading is to the South-West
- Windsor is to the North-West.
- The blue arrow indicates Staines station.
- Heathrow Terminal 5 is in the North-East corner of the map.
- The pink tracks are the Piccadilly Lines
- The red tracks are for the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.
- This OpenRailwayMap shows Terminal 5 to a larger scale.
Note.
- The pink tracks are the Piccadilly Line.
- The red tracks are for the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.
- In front of the red tracks is what looks like a circular walkway or emergency exit, with a rectangular block to its West.
- The rectangular block is the lift tower to get from the railway station to the Departures and Arrivals floors of Terminal 5.
I asked Google AI if it would it be possible in the future to extend the Elizabeth Line to the West out of the Western end of Terminal 5 and received this reply.
Extending the Elizabeth line west from Terminal 5 is technically possible and has been proposed, notably as part of a potential westward rail link to Staines or to support airport expansion, but it is not currently funded. Terminal 5 was designed with future expansion in mind, potentially allowing a connection to Staines to create a “southern rail link” for better connections.
Perhaps there are two tunnels under the lift shafts?
How many trains per hour (tph) terminate in those two platforms?
- 4 tph – Heathrow Express
- 2 tph – Elizabeth Line to Shenfield.
Note.
- Only six trains in two platforms is easily managed.
- Because, Heathrow Express services appear to use both platforms, when I visited yesterday, the system seems to confuse passengers.
- The services surely need to be evened up, so that there are four tph of each service, with each service having a dedicated platform.
- But terminating eight trains in two platforms could be troublesome.
- Platforms are numbered 1 to 6 from the South.
- Platforms 1 and 2 have not been built yet.
Although four tph for Heathrow Express in one platform, should be easy with digital signalling, as you see it every day in London, it may be difficult on two platforms, at the same time.
In Is More Capacity Between Heathrow Airport And Central London, Needed On The Elizabeth Line?, I said this.
Currently, the Elizabeth line provides up to 12 trains per hour (including Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express) on the relief lines, making it nearly at capacity.
Note.
- When I use the Elizabeth Line, I deliberately avoid trains going to and from Heathrow, unless I’m going that way, as they are too crowded with passengers and their oversized cases.
- High Speed Two, the West London Orbital Railway and the North London Line will bring passengers for Heathrow Airport to Old Oak Common station.
- Surely, as Heathrow Airport gets bigger and increases its passenger numbers. the Elizabeth Line will need to be increased in capacity.
I believe Elizabeth Line capacity needs to be increased soon.
The only feasible plan I’ve seen is Heathrow Southern Railways plan, which included.
- Construction of a bay platform 0 at Staines alongside the Staines to Windsor line.
- A step-free bridge across the tracks.
- Construction of a single-track railway with 25 KVAC overhead electrification and a passing looop, between the new platform 0 at Staines and Platform 3 at Heathrow Terminal 5 station.
- Run four trains per hour in both directions between Heathrow Terminal 5 and Staines stations.
- This plan would would add two trains per hour through the Central Tunnel.
Various Journeys Would Be As Follows
This OpenRailwayMap shows Staines junction and the positions of the three platforms.
Note.
- The Windsor Line goes North-West.
- The Reading Line goes West.
- The Waterloo Line Goes East.
- Platform 1 is on the North side of the tracks.
- Platform 2 is on the South side of the tracks.
- The bay platform, which I’ve numbered 0, will be on the North side of the tracks towards Windsor.
- I suspect the step-free bridge will be over the tracks and replace the current rickety structure.
- The bridge would be a short walk from all three platforms.
Interchanges would be as follows.
- Windsor to Heathrow – Walk between Platforms 1 and 0.
- Reading to Heathrow – Walk between Platforms 1 and 0.
- Heathrow to Windsor – Cross the bridge between Platforms 0 and 2.
- Heathrow to Reading – Cross the bridge between Platforms 0 and 2.
- Waterloo to Heathrow – Cross the bridge between Platforms 2 and 0.
- Heathrow to Waterloo – Walk between Platforms 0 and 1.
Note.
- All trains to or from Heathrow use Platform 0.
- All trains to Waterloo use Platform 1.
- All trains going away from Waterloo use Platform 2.
- Reading and Heathrow gain a step-free route at 2 tph.
- All interchanges at Staines station would be step-free.
- A train like London Crosslink, which used to go between Feltham and Woking, would use Platform 1 going towards Feltham and Platform 2 going towards Woking.
Staines station would gain step-free access to all Heathrow terminals, all Elizabeth Line and High Speed Two stations.
Could Anglia Railways’ London Crosslink Be Recreated As Part Of The London Overground?
I like the idea of the London Crosslink service, that ran for a few years between East Anglia and Hampshire via the North London Line and Staines.
My arguments for its restoration are described in Could Anglia Railways’ London Crosslink Be Recreated As Part Of The London Overground?
At various times in my life, it would have been very useful.
Today, as I live about fifteen minutes from Highbury and Islington station, I could use London Crosslink for the following reasons.
- Visiting friends and family in Hampshire.
- Going to Heathrow Airport, especially Terminal 5.
- Visiting friends in East Anglia.
- Going to football at Ipswich.
- Exploring new parts of England.
- I would wait at home and time my departure to catch a booked train at a fully step-free station.
Conclusions
Extending the Elizabeth Line to Staines gives these advantages.
- Staff at Heathrow, who live in the Staines area get easy access to the airport.
- Buses and coaches between Heathrow and the local area may be reviewed.
- Less cars will be used to get to and from the airport.
- Reading and Heathrow gain a step-free route at 2 tph.
- A lot of stations would gain a step-free route to all terminals at Heathrow, and all Elizabeth Line and High Speed Two stations.
There may well be other advantages.
How Much B12 In An M & S Chicken Jalfrezi With Basmati Rice For One?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Based on typical nutritional data for similar prepared chicken and rice meals, a 400g serving of M&S Chicken Jalfrezi with Basmati Rice likely contains a significant portion of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, largely derived from the chicken breast.
Protein Content: The 400g meal generally provides approximately 32.8g of protein.
Estimated B12: As a rich source of animal protein, 100g of chicken typically provides a significant portion of daily B12. While specific B12 figures for this exact M&S product are not explicitly listed in the search results, similar chicken curry meals provide roughly 0.5–1.0 µg or more per 100g, suggesting a 400g pack could meet or exceed the typical daily adult requirement (around 1.5–2.4 µg).
Nutritional Summary for M&S Chicken Jalfrezi with Rice (400g):
Protein: ~32.8g
Calories: ~372–544 kcal
Fat: ~6.8g–20g
Carbs: ~45.2g–56.4g
The dish contains marinated chargrilled chicken breast, red peppers, and basmati rice.
Would Extending The Elizabeth Line To Staines Offer Any Advantages?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Extending the Elizabeth line to Staines offers significant advantages, including improved direct access to Heathrow Airport from Surrey/south-west London, reduced road traffic congestion, and enhanced connectivity for commuters. Proposed as part of the Heathrow Southern Railway project, it would provide a “game-changer” link and support economic growth around Heathrow.
Key Advantages of Extending the Elizabeth Line to Staines:
Improved Airport Access: The extension would provide a direct, sustainable, zero-emission rail link to Heathrow for commuters and travelers from Staines, Virginia Water, and surrounding areas.
Reduced Congestion & Environmental Impact: The project is estimated to reduce road traffic by approximately 3 million journeys annually, significantly lowering emissions.
Faster Commutes & Connectivity: It would create a new, faster route from Surrey and Hampshire (via Staines) to key locations like Heathrow, Old Oak Common (for HS2), and central London.
Relieving Existing Lines: The extension would help relieve overcrowding on the South Western Main Line into London Waterloo.
Utilizing Existing Infrastructure: The project would likely use the underground space already created at Terminal 5 to facilitate a southward extension.
Challenges and Considerations:
Funding and Cost: The project requires significant upfront investment, requiring collaboration between private sectors, Transport for London, and the Department for Transport.
Capacity Constraints: The existing Elizabeth line is already high-demand, and integrating a new, long branch would require careful capacity management.
This extension is closely tied to proposals for a Southern Rail Access to Heathrow, intended to support the expansion of the airport and the economic development of the surrounding region.
Is There Enough Staff Car Parking At Heathrow Airport?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
While Heathrow Airport provides designated staff parking areas—including N1, N2, and N5 near Terminal 5—finding space can be difficult due to high demand, and recent substantial fee increases have caused tension. Dedicated staff, including those for car-sharing, have access to, and must display, valid permits in, secured, monitored areas.
Key Details on Staff Parking:
Locations: Staff parking is generally located on the Northern Perimeter Road, particularly serving Terminal 5.
Costs: MoneySavingExpert Forum indicates that parking costs may be paid for by employers like British Airways, or directly by the employee.
Rising Costs: In 2024, monthly staff parking charges were increased significantly, leading to complaints from unions regarding the cost for workers.
Capacity Issues: With thousands of staff, parking can be limited, though special areas are allocated for car-sharing to encourage efficiency.
For most employees, options include using the designated, secure staff car parks, or utilizing the airport’s Sustainable Travel Guide options, which provide, alternative, more sustainable transport solutions.
Staff parking certainly seem a problem and it can only get worse, as more staff are recruited.
Is More Capacity Between Heathrow Airport And Central London, Needed On The Elizabeth Line?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, additional capacity on the Elizabeth line between Heathrow Airport and Central London is needed to manage high demand, despite it being a major upgrade. While the line has greatly improved connectivity, studies suggest that rising passenger demand, particularly from potential airport expansion, may require increasing services from 6 to 8 trains per hour to prevent future overcrowding.
Key Considerations Regarding Capacity:
High Demand: Passenger demand grew by ~40% between June 2022 and October 2023, with further growth expected.
Infrastructure Constraints: Increasing services beyond 6 trains per hour is challenging due to the need for signaling upgrades and potential platform length limitations.
Alternative Solutions: Experts suggest the Western Rail Link to Heathrow could relieve pressure by allowing direct access from the west, rather than requiring travel into central London first.
Future Upgrades: Further improvements, including enhanced signalling on the Piccadilly line and other rail links, are seen as necessary to handle future passenger surges.
Currently, the Elizabeth line provides up to 12 trains per hour (including Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express) on the relief lines, making it nearly at capacity.
Note.
- When I use the Elizabeth Line, I deliberately avoid trains going to and from Heathrow, unless I’m going that way, as they are too crowded with passengers and oversized cases.
- High Speed Two, the West London Orbital Railway and the North London Line will bring passengers for Heathrow Airport to Old Oak Common station.
- Surely, as Heathrow gets bigger and increases its passenger numbers. the Elizabeth Line will need to be increased in capacity.
I believe Elizabeth Line capacity needs to be increased soon.
I Want To Go By Train Between Heathrow Airport And Central London, What is Best Train; Lizzie, Piccadilly, Or Heathrow Express?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
The Elizabeth Line is generally the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience for most travelers (approx. 30–40 mins to central London,£13). The Heathrow Express is fastest (15 mins,£25) to Paddington only, while the Piccadilly Line is cheapest (hr,£6) but slowest.
Detailed Breakdown:
Elizabeth Line (Recommended): Offers direct, modern, air-conditioned trains to central hubs like Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, and Liverpool Street without needing to change at Paddington. It is much cheaper than the Express and only slightly slower.
Heathrow Express: The fastest option, but only goes to London Paddington. It is expensive unless booked far in advance. Best if you are staying right next to Paddington station.
Piccadilly Line: The cheapest option, ideal for budget travelers, and serves all terminals. However, it is a traditional Tube train, which can be crowded and uncomfortable with heavy luggage.
Note: Fares mentioned are approximate and based on standard off-peak, single-journey, tap-on/tap-off usage.
Ask virtually anybody in London and they’ll probably give you a similar answer.
Even Larry the cat would know, as he’s probably heard the question asked thousands of times.
How Much B12 In An M&S Chicken Breast In Cheese & Ham Sauce For One?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
The provided search results do not contain specific information regarding the exact amount of Vitamin B12 in M&S Chicken Breast in Cheese & Ham Sauce.
However, based on the ingredients list (chicken breast, cheddar cheese, cream, and smoked ham), this product is likely to be a good source of Vitamin B12, as all its main components are rich in this nutrient.
For context, typical nutritional values per 100g for this product include:
Protein: ~9.6g – 20.5g (depending on specific product variation)
Fat: ~6.4g – 12.6g
Energy: ~138 – 144 kcal
For precise B12 content, it is recommended to check the specific nutritional label on the packaging, as it is not always listed in online summaries.
How Much B12 In A Portion Of Chilli-Con-Carne?
I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.
A standard 1-cup (approx. 240g–250g) portion of homemade or canned chilli con carne typically contains between 0.68 mcg and 1.6 mcg of Vitamin B12. This amount represents approximately 28% to 67% of the recommended daily intake (DV) for adults.
Vitamin B12 Content Breakdown:
Homemade with Beef (Approx. 250g): ~1.6 mcg (67% DV).
Canned Entree (1 cup/242g): ~0.68 mcg (28% DV).
Chilli with Rice (450g meal): ~2.28 mcg (57% DV).
Key Factors Affecting B12 Levels:
Meat Quantity: A higher ratio of ground beef increases the B12 content, as 3 ounces of lean ground beef alone provides 2.4 mcg (100% DV).
Serving Size: A larger, restaurant-sized portion (e.g., 12 oz) will contain significantly more than a standard 1-cup serving.
Chilli con carne is considered an excellent source of Vitamin B12 due to the beef content, which helps meet the daily requirement of 2.4 mcg for adults.
I generally eat, one Marks and Spencer’s Count on Us chilli-con-carne and rice, every week. It doesn’t say on the packaging if it is gluten-free, but my highly-tuned gut says it is.
What Does Google AI Say In Answer To Is Marks And Spencer’s Count On Us Chilli Con Carne And Rice Gluten Free?
The M&S Count On Us Chilli Con Carne and Rice is generally considered safe as it does not list gluten-containing ingredients, but it is not explicitly labeled as “gluten-free” and may have risks of cross-contamination. While many M&S “Count on Us” meals are considered “accidentally” gluten-free, it is advised to check the label for “may contain” warnings before consuming.
I used to have a ginger Glaswegian friend, who had a Michelin star (Not him, one of the others!) He told me that chilli con carne should be gluten-free.
The Anonymous Widower 