UK bus operator First Bus has officially launched ‘First Charge’, the new identity for its growing, shared-charging initiative.
The concept was discussed by the operator at last week’s Transport + Energy Fleet Electrification Forum. First Bus’ Faizan Ahmad said sharing EV charging infrastructure “isn’t a pipe dream” but is “happening now”.
He explained how it was hoping to work with more fleet operators on sharing its facilities. When look at rapid charging networks, such as InstaVolt and Gridserve, Ahmad said that with around 1,500 EVs charging daily, the company’s infrastructure was “the largest charging network you’ve never heard of”.
The programme, which includes 15 First Bus depots in Scotland and England, is designed to open up First Bus’ electric EV infrastructure to support the transition to net zero — for businesses, fleet operators, and now, in Glasgow, for the wider public.
The First Bus Caledonia depot in Glasgow is leading the launch by offering the company’s first in-depot charging to the general public.
Located minutes from Glasgow city centre and supported by on-site staff, the new Caledonia Superhub offers fast, affordable charging for consumers as well as business fleets.
First Bus already shares its depot-based charging facilities with leading businesses across the UK —including DPD, Centrica, Openreach, and Police Scotland.
By opening its depots to third-party EV users through First Charge, First Bus is helping to address a critical gap in charging infrastructure — particularly for commercial operators who need reliable, high-power charging in urban areas – it said.
Demand continues to grow for private and pre-arranged access at First Charge locations, particularly among operators in the rapidly expanding eHGV sector and other passenger transport services, the firm added.
Isabel McAllister, First Bus UK Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer, said:
“At First Bus, we’re progressing rapidly towards our goal of a zero-emission fleet by 2035, with an investment of over £320m to date.
“With First Charge, we’re building on our position as an industry leader, sharing our infrastructure to accelerate decarbonisation to help other users move faster too.”
Image courtesy of First Bus
