E-fleet solutions provider VEV is partnering with bus operator Stagecoach to accelerate its bus electrification programme.
The provider, which is backed by energy firm Vitol, is supporting Stagecoach’s decarbonisation strategy in the first instance by building a high-powered DC charging infrastructure across four UK depots. The infrastructure will power 150 electric buses in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby, and Chesterfield.
It will also install solar power generation at the depots, harnessing sunlight during daytime hours to reduce Stagecoach’s reliance on the national grid for its power.
The project has an estimated, predicted lifetime cost saving of more than £1 million for Stagecoach, demonstrating the economic viability of the transition to electric fleets.
In a parallel development, Stagecoach is also trialling the use by third parties of the charging infrastructure at its electric bus depot in Aberdeen. The goal is to maximise utilisation of the high-powered DC chargers when buses are out during the day. If successful, the hub will extend to another depot in Aberdeen and one in Perth, totalling 54 charge points.
The chargers will be managed through VEV’s smart charging & digital energy management platform VEV-IQ, which will monitor and optimise power usage and charging scheduling for the charge points.
Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV said:
“The shared charging hub in Scotland highlights the need and potential for cross-sector collaboration to expand sustainable transport options and offset the costs of transitioning to electric for commercial fleet operators.
“Making the switch from diesel to EV requires careful planning and optimisation to be successful not just at the point of delivery but throughout the lifecycle of the bus.”
The collaboration between VEV and Stagecoach is also drawing on global best practice with a recent visit to a large 100% electric bus operation in Bogotá, Colombia, built by VEV’s sister company, VGMobility.
Claire Miles, CEO of Stagecoach said:
“The trip to Colombia was extremely useful and I learned a great deal from being there. I was particularly impressed by the clean, quiet electrified depot and the scale of the operation. Seeing first-hand the power of digital technology to run a huge 100% electric fleet was enlightening.
“The depth of VEV’s expertise in this field was a key draw for Stagecoach, and we’re pleased to work with them on our electrification projects, leveraging their global experience to drive our sustainability goals forward.”
Image courtesy of VEV
