Low-emissions sightseeing bus company Tootbus has secured approval for plans to install roof-mounted solar panels on its Wandsworth depot, working in collaboration with electric fleet solutions provider VEV.
This project will power the existing electric fleet with 100% end-to-end renewable power, providing 65,000kwh of electricity annually or about 60,000 km of travel per year once the full fleet has been converted to electric power.
The implementation of the solar panels is expected to take place this summer, with additional infrastructure projects in the pipeline to support Tootbus’ plans to operate London’s first fully electric sightseeing bus fleet by 2029.
VEV took responsibility for navigating the complexities of gaining planning permission for the solar installation.
In this instance the Tootbus Wandsworth depot being a Grade 2 listed building added an extra layer of complexity that VEV was successfully able to overcome.
Gavin Brooking, Managing Director at Tootbus UK, said, “Sustainability has been central to our operations since the launch of Tootbus, and this project is a hugely exciting step in our renewable energy journey.
“We are pleased to continue to be well ahead of policy priorities and see it as our imperative to lead.
“Green tourism is vital to keeping central areas of London clean, safe and pollution-free, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement.”
Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV said, “This project is a significant milestone and paves the way for Tootbus to realise their ambition of operating London’s first fully electric, renewable-energy powered sightseeing fleet by 2029 while substantially reducing emissions and minimising their environmental impact.”
