UK Power Networks has invested £4 million in a new 4.5-megawatt power connection at Arriva’s Thornton Heath bus depot to support new electric buses on nine routes and related night routes.
The power distributor has installed 5km of new high-voltage underground cabling and built new equipment at an electricity substation to enable the bus garage in Whitehall Road, South London, to convert to electric buses.
Arriva will run 109 new electric buses from the site, following the installation of the infrastructure, which was funded, fast-tracked and built through UK Power Networks’ Green Recovery Fund.
As part of the programme, the network operator works with local communities, Government and Ofgem to identify projects where investment in electricity infrastructure can make tangible progress to connect more EVs.
Adam Lakey, leading the Green Recovery projects for UK Power Networks, said, “This investment is a watershed for Thornton Heath bus garage, which can now electrify its bus fleet and usher in a new age of cleaner, greener electric public transport.
“Our Green Recovery programme has delivered essential new power infrastructure to bus fleets, motorway service areas and rapid charging hubs to connect more electric vehicles and accelerate the country’s transition to net zero carbon emissions.”
Marcos Hart, managing director London at Arriva UK Bus said: “Arriva UK Bus is committed to decarbonising our London fleet, and the electrification of our Thornton Heath site builds on the millions of pounds we have already invested in creating the clean, electrified and efficient public transport networks that communities in the capital deserve.”
