First Bus has expanded its partnership with rapid charging systems firm Heliox to develop five new electric bus depots in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Minehead, Taunton, and Basildon.
The facilities have been made possible due to an £89 million investment from First Bus and support from the UK Government’s ZEBRA 2 funding programme.
With a combined capacity to charge more than 190 vehicles simultaneously, the five new depots will play a crucial role in First Bus’s journey towards a zero-emission fleet.
Heliox and First Bus unveiled the UK’s largest electric bus depot – capable of charging 178 vehicles simultaneously – ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.
Since then, the two companies have continued to work together to deliver a network of nine operational electric bus charging depots across Scotland and England.
The First Bus charging hub in Summercourt, Cornwall provides direct access for the public to rapid charging infrastructure for electric cars and vans.
Stephen Wood, Heliox Country Manager UK & Ireland said, “The huge £89m investment from First Bus and support from the ZEBRA 2 funding programme has enabled us to play a vital role in accelerating the transition to electric public transport, particularly in rural areas.
“These new charging depots will be instrumental in achieving this goal.”
Faizan Ahmad, Decarbonisation Programme Director, First Bus said, “Our partnership with Heliox has enabled us to electrify our depots and introduce cutting-edge electric buses, delivering cleaner air and a better passenger experience.
“As a leader in sustainable transport, we’re committed to working with both central and local governments to support national decarbonisation goals and encourage more people to choose bus travel.”
