Bus operator Stagecoach and e-fleet solutions provider Vev have begun a shared EV infrastructure trial with electric trucks using a bus depot to charge.
The companies’ first third-party charge took place at the Stagecoach Nuneaton bus depot in Warwickshire, which has 45 high-powered EV chargers and a new solar power system using Vev’s smart charging and digital energy management platform.
This pilot is the first step in the bus operator’s plan, announced earlier this year, to give businesses access to its charging infrastructure during off-service hours.
Its ambition is to create a secondary income stream while helping to decarbonise the wider transport ecosystem across a variety of use-cases, including HGVs, last-mile delivery, refuse collection and blue light services.
The trial also forms part of a wider regional electrification project from Vev to support the introduction of 150 new electric buses across depots in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Chesterfield.
Marvin Smith, Head of Solutions Sales at Stagecoach said, “This is a huge step forward for the team as we continue to test and refine our offer before rollout more broadly.
“What we’re building is truly unique, with wide bays that offer plenty of space for large vehicles, clean infrastructure and no queues.”
Simon Cubitt, Commercial Director for Bus and Coach at Vev said, “We couldn’t be prouder to be supporting Stagecoach with their ambitions for B2B charging as a key opportunity to help offset the costs of electrifying their fleet, while helping other operators to start their own EV journey.
“Stagecoach has truly been leading the way to create an infrastructure network that serves the entire transport industry and the surrounding communities.”
