NewPower, which has moved into a factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation process by swapping powertrains in older fleets at a substantially lower price than buying a new bus.

Wrightbus will utilise the skills of its 1,800-strong workforce, including master technicians, to carry out the work.

Hailed as affordable decarbonisation, it is hoped that operators with mid-life bus fleets but without the funding for new zero-emission buses can take advantage of the instant sustainability switch.

Engineers say the conversion can take three weeks and have space for teams to work on six buses at any one time, offering the potential to decarbonise 500 buses a year.

Initially creating 22 jobs but with 65 staff expected on site by the end of the year, the announcement from Wrightbus follows a record-breaking start to 2024 which has seen the Northern Ireland business named as the fastest-growing large manufacturer in the UK and the fastest-growing bus-maker in Europe.

Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO said, “While we are selling new hydrogen and battery-electric buses all over the world there is a huge market of mid-life buses which, once converted, can have an immediate impact on helping to improve air quality in towns and cities up and down the UK.

“We have long been recognised as the world-leading manufacturer of both hydrogen and battery-electric buses and now NewPower will add another string to our bow.”

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The first batch of 12 vehicles, all E12s, were recently unveiled at NCT’s Trent Bridge Garage, with attendees from all the key stakeholders – Nottingham City Council, Nottingham City Transport, dealer Pelican Engineering, and electrification specialist Zenobe.

These are the first zero emission battery electric buses for Nottingham City Transport, who have worked with Pelican and Yutong to develop a high specification bus.

The balance of the order will be delivered in two further tranches, with twelve due in April 2024 and the remaining twenty-four in March 2025.

Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Sales at Pelican Bus & Coach said, “This is a significant step for Nottingham City Transport on their journey to zero emissions. The Nottingham team have challenged us to produce a customer centric vehicle, and we are extremely proud of what has been achieved.

“The vehicle is fitted with full colour front destinations, luxury trimmed high backed seating, new swept hand poles, illuminated bell pushes, and our electric air conditioning system for maximum customer comfort.”

David Astill, NCT’s Managing Director said, “The delivery of these buses from Yutong represents the exciting start of our journey to a battery-electric fleet, with a target to replace all of our remaining diesel buses in the next four years.

“We are currently undertaking a comprehensive familiarisation programme for our drivers and engineers and both are full of praise for these new buses. I am confident our passengers will be equally impressed.”

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The 22 Wrightbus Streetdeck Electroliners will be the city’s first electric double-decks as well as Arriva’s first electric double-decks outside London.

They can each carry about 90 passengers and have a range of around 200 miles with a recharge time of two hours 45 minutes.

The vehicles also have enhanced specifications to improve the customer experience such as better onboard lighting, digital customer information screens and USB charging points.

The first of the zero-emission vehicles was delivered in September for driver-training.

Arriva UK Bus and Leicester City Council made a successful joint bid through the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme to unlock the £11 million worth of investment required to purchase the new buses.

Work is being completed at Arriva’s Thurmaston depot to install chargers and infrastructure for the battery-electric fleet and engineers are being trained about the zero-emission vehicles.

Alistair Hands, Managing Director for Arriva, said, “Welcoming the new Wrightbus electric fleet into Leicester is a game-changing moment in our continued drive to operating a greener, decarbonised bus network.

“It’s our aim to make Arriva UK Bus the best choice for passengers and we know our customers value our progressive attitude towards decarbonising public transport.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Arriva once again in accelerating its investment in the electrification of its bus fleet and in the drive to zero-emission public transport in the industry.

“All of the buses will be built in Ballymena in Northern Ireland, lending further support to the wider regional economy and allowing us to create green jobs as we continue in our growth.”

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Marketed by Pelican Engineering, the GTe14 will come with a standard battery capacity of 422kWh, designed to offer an estimated range of 200 miles.

There will also be an alternative option of a 563kWh configuration, projected to extend the range to about 280 miles.

The GTe14 will incorporate CATL battery packs and the integration of ZF axles will be seamlessly integrated, complemented by an actively steered tag unit.

The model will come in at 13,970mm in length while also offering a maximum capacity of 61 seats – however, Pelican anticipates that most customers will opt for a slightly reduced seating arrangement of 57.

Notably, the model will also offer a centre sunken toilet alongside compliance with accessibility regulations.

The first vehicle is to be built in September 2023 and will bear a strong resemblance to the existing diesel-powered GT12 two-axle coach.

Yutong recently revealed its TC15E model, a 15m battery-electric coach sharing design elements with the GTe14, but with unique dashboard configuration, and which is now being sold to customers in northern Europe.

Simon Collins, UK Coach sales manager at Pelican said, “The GTe14 is fundamentally a tri-axle, battery-electric version of the GT12.

“Additionally, Yutong’s rear-view camera system also comes with the prototype. With Pelican’s commitment to innovation, we are offering this feature as standard for the GTe14, whilst also leveraging the same 21st-Century equipment that is already established across its existing bus range.”

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A Scottish Government scheme, ScotZEB is designed to accelerate the transition to zero emission buses in Scotland and follows on from first phase funding – which awarded £62m to nine bus operators and local authorities for 276 buses and associated charging infrastructure – with a new £58million fund.

Companies like Equipmake, who offer repowering – where the diesel powertrain of a bus is replaced with a fully electric drivetrain – alongside local authorities and public service bus operators, are all eligible to bid for support with ScotZEB Phase 2.

The Norfolk-based company’s repower technology programme involves an inspection of each bus to ensure its adaptability to its unique, scalable modular electric chassis.

Once its suitability is verified, the process itself is quick, with up to five repowers a week being completed, ensuring a working bus is kept off the road for as short a time as possible.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said, “The confirmation that the latest round of ScotZEB funding will assist with the purchase price of a repowered bus by up to £50,000 is fantastic news. This innovative initiative will enable fleets to go electric quickly and even more cost-effectively, helping them bridge the gap between diesel and a new electric bus fleet.

“We welcome the opening of applications for ScotZEB Phase 2 funding, news which will not only speed up the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet in Scotland but also support the growth of jobs in UK-wide, including at Equipmake.”

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As part of the order, a total of 13 buses for Perth have joined nine earlier vehicles to convert all local services in the city to electric.

Another 11 buses have made all of Dunfermline’s city network zero emission, while a further 15 vehicles have joined existing BYD-Alexander Dennis electric buses in Aberdeen and Ayrshire.

The buses were part-funded by the Scottish Government through Phase 1 of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), which aims to encourage significant change in the bus market by supporting the swift transition to zero emission vehicles and infrastructure.

This fund aims to help achieve targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to the delivery of Low Emission Zones and encourage inward investment and growth in the supply chain of zero carbon vehicle and energy solutions.

Together with deliveries from earlier orders, Stagecoach now operates 85 BYD-Alexander Dennis electric buses in Scotland.

Sam Greer, Stagecoach Regional Director for Scotland, said, “As part of our drive to target a net zero UK bus fleet by 2035, we are delighted to deliver the UK’s first all-electric city bus networks, building further on the investment made in new zero emission buses in a number of places in the UK.

“These new state-of-the-art electric buses introduced across Dunfermline, Inverness and Perth will help deliver significantly reduced emissions in these cities.

“One of the quickest ways local people can help deliver net zero is by switching from cars to buses, as well as walking and cycling more.”

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This latest order will take the number of BYD AD Enviro400EV buses operated by National Express in the West Midlands to 329.

The fleet, which will be the largest of the type in the UK, includes an earlier order for 130 buses that are part of the UK Government’s ambitions to make Coventry the country’s first all-electric bus city by 2025.

More than half of the 130 BYD AD Enviro400EV buses ordered are already operating on National Express bus routes across Coventry.

The continued investment is part of National Express delivering on its commitment to have a completely zero-emission bus fleet in the UK by 2030.

In addition, the electricity to power the electric buses will be 100% renewable and zero carbon.

Martin West, Alexander Dennis Group commercial director, said, “We are excited to help National Express deliver its ambitious plans in support of the West Midlands’ target to become a zero-carbon region by 2041.

“This repeat order from National Express will create the largest fleet of BYD AD Enviro400EV electric double deck buses in the country and shows the gathering pace of the transition to zero-emission mobility.”

Frank Thorpe, managing director, BYD UK, said, “This is yet another considerable electric bus order and we are delighted to support National Express as it continues to make significant headway in replacing its diesel bus fleets with clean electric alternatives.”

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This range is more than sufficient for a complete a duty cycle, allowing the buses to be recharged faster, overnight and operate for longer during the day.

Work is already underway on the first Versa conversion, with the rest to be repowered over the next few months, and delivery of the first vehicle is due for November this year.

Equipmake believes its repower programme has both environmental and cost benefits, with each conversion costing less than half the cost of a new electric bus.

Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake, said, “Repowered buses represent a fantastic opportunity for operators to help accelerate the much-needed transition to sustainable mobility.

“Together with our new electric bus, the Jewel E, this technology can facilitate a significant reduction in air pollution across the country.

“We are delighted that First Bus has chosen to implement our pioneering technology in 12 of the buses in its York Park & Ride fleet. This is great news for passengers and for the people of York, who can look forward to cleaner air in their city.

“This agreement reflects the strong demand we are seeing for our products, which has, in turn, driven plans to expand our facility, creating 180 jobs, bringing the total number of staff employed at Equipmake to 255.”

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The company is rolling out the £13.9m fleet of 38 new e-buses, partly funded by the Scottish Government, through the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), designed to support the transition to zero-emission technologies as part of Scotland’s overall target to achieve net zero by 2045.

The new electric buses in Perth, which will be introduced in early 2023, will be made up of a £4.8m fleet of 13 buses, including seven single deck, five midibuses and one double-decker.

They will add to the fleet of nine zero emission buses (ZEBs) introduced in the city last December.

The £9.1m investment in Inverness will see a fleet of 25 new electric midibuses introduced from late 2022 across routes 1-9, replacing the city’s diesel bus fleet.

New zero emission buses (ZEBs) are also being introduced over the coming months on Stagecoach networks across other areas in Scotland including Aberdeen, Ayr, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Kilmarnock as part of the ScotZEB plans.

Over the past 14 months, Stagecoach has rolled out 52 new electric buses across its networks in Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS), with a further six electric buses introduced across the west of Scotland in partnership with SP Energy Networks.

Sam Greer, Stagecoach Regional Director for Scotland, said: “As part of our drive to target a net zero UK bus fleet by 2035, we are excited to be announcing our plans to deliver the UK’s first all-electric city bus networks, building further on the investment made in new zero emission buses in a number of places in the UK.”

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Available for customer delivery from late 2023, a new small bus and a new electric double decker will complement the products of its partnership with Chinese firm BYD, which will continue to be sold and supported.

Designers from Alexander Dennis, with input from students of Coventry University’s sector-leading Automotive and Transport Design course, will create a new design language for the new models.

Buses for the UK and Ireland will be fully built in Britain and details and technical specifications will be released over the coming months.

The current battery electric BYD ADL Enviro200EV and BYD ADL Enviro400EV products, built in partnership with BYD, will continue to be offered in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Alexander Dennis’s second-generation hydrogen bus, the Enviro400FCEV, will also continue to form an important part of the company’s zero-emission bus range and will be delivered to launch customer Liverpool City Region later this year.

Paul Davies, president & managing director at Alexander Dennis said, “Alexander Dennis continues to lead the transition to zero-emission mobility and this unparalleled investment in the latest zero-emission technology gives operators, transport authorities and councils the freedom to choose from an even wider range of buses.

“We have always been highly respected for our product innovation, and throughout this difficult period for our industry we have continued to challenge our engineering team to evolve our range.

“The result will be a brand new fully in-house designed, integrated electric double deck and small bus product giving our customers access to the latest zero-emission vehicle technology from a single, trusted source.”

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A total of 10 of them are E10 10.9 metre long models and 31 are E12 12.17 metre vehicles, financed through the Scottish Government’s Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Scheme.

It follows the 55 Yutong electric buses the bus operator took delivery of in August and September 2021.

Yutong, based in China, is the largest bus manufacturer in the world accounting for 15% of the global market.

Its buses for the UK are prepared at the Pelican site in Castleford which has 160 employees.

Ralph Roberts, CEO of the McGill’s Group said: “Placing this repeat order with Pelican Yutong was a very easy decision.

“The first two deliveries of 55 zero-emission Yutong buses were completed on time, on budget and completely without the normal teething issues we have come to expect with new buses nowadays.

“The buses have delivered exceptionally reliable availability whilst delivering class-leading levels of electricity consumption. Our customers are impressed by their high quality finish and that is good for business.”

Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Sales added, “It is a testament to Ralph and the McGill’s team that with this order, nearly 25% of their fleet will be zero-emission – the majority of them Yutong.

“The successful introduction of the vehicles heralded a new level of calm and quietness for their passengers, and they have been widely welcomed by the travelling public.

“The driving range of the vehicles has exceeded expectations, even with the full electric air conditioning in operation during the winter months.”

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The company has invested £11.2m in the BYD-ADL Enviro 400 EV double deck buses with £4m in finance coming from the Scottish Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.

They have low-floor easy-access, are fitted with eleather seats – a material made entirely from recycled leather – and include on board stop announcements.

Stagecoach ordered the buses last year and they were assembled at BYD-ADL’s plant in Falkirk.

The fleet will be based at the Tullos depot to operate on services 59 and 727, connecting the city centre with Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) and Aberdeen International Airport, as well as running through residential areas.

Stagecoach says it has been training its team of drivers and engineers ahead of the arrival of the new buses and it is planning to put the vehicles into service later this month.

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach Bluebird said, “Sustainable transport is critical to the future of our planet: decarbonising local journeys, reducing road congestion, improving air quality and tackling climate change.

“Travelling by bus, when we can, is one of the easiest ways to address climate change through carbon reduction of our own journeys.

“Major investment in new zero-emission buses also needs to be matched by better road infrastructure and more bus priority measures to help encourage people to make the switch from car to sustainable public transport.”

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Go-Ahead Group, a transport provider of bus and rail services, is looking to transition its fleet of 5000 buses to zero-emissions technology by 2035 and plans to electrify the majority of its fleet.

UK Power Networks Services conducted an electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity study and proposed strategies to support Go-Ahead’s fleet transition goals. The study aimed to provide visibility on the electrical network capacity, infrastructure requirements and estimated infrastructure costs for 35 garages as identified by Go-Ahead.

UK Power Networks Services also investigated potential solutions including energy storage, flexible and timed connections, developed a prioritisation framework and implementation plan, and identified the resources required for each site to enable the overall EV infrastructure roll-out.

As a next step, UK Power Networks Services will support Go-Ahead with developing concept designs, evaluating alternative connection options, addressing site specific challenges before proceeding to detailed design and build services.

According to the UK government, the transport sector produced 27% of the UK’s total emissions in 2019. Of this, the majority (91%) came from road transport vehicles.

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