National Express West Midlands has rolled out 170 new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double decker zero emission buses as part of a £95 million investment to modernise its fleet.
The buses bring the total number of electric buses in operation to 329, meaning nearly a quarter of National Express West Midlands’ bus fleet is now zero emissions.
Each electric bus saves an average of 61 tonnes of carbon annually, reducing carbon emissions by almost 20,000 tonnes every year.
In addition to the new vehicles, National Express West Midlands has completed a major infrastructure upgrade of its Yardley Wood depot. Originally built in 1938, the depot has been modernised with the installation of advanced charging infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to future-proof its operations and ensure long-term sustainability in its services.
The bus operator’s Perry Barr depot is also undergoing an electrification upgrade which is due to complete in the coming weeks.
Supporting the transition is EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē, providing an end-to-end Electric Transport as a Service (ETaaS) solution to National Express West Midlands. This includes financing the vehicles and the on-board batteries to guarantee their performance while in use and replacing them at the end of their first, usable life.
Zenobē also installed dedicated rapid chargers and integrated its proprietary software platform to help monitor and optimise energy use, as well as parts and operational support.
The buses produce zero carbon emissions at the tailpipe and are powered by renewable zero carbon energy, with additional support of a second-life battery installed at the depot by Zenobē.
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director at National Express West Midlands, said:
“Replacing our diesel buses with electric vehicles and modernising our depots are key steps in our journey towards operating a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
“These new clean, green double-decker buses are not just about improving efficiency and reducing our environmental impact, they also deliver a better experience for our passengers with quieter, smoother and more comfortable journeys.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“This region is leading the way on greener public transport – with an entire fleet of electric buses being delivered in Coventry and now 170 new zero-emission buses across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull. That means cleaner air, quieter streets and a more comfortable, reliable service for passengers.
“Buses are the backbone of our network, with over half a million trips made in the region each day. That’s why we continue to work closely with our bus operators to decarbonise public transport and support our green transport revolution for a cleaner and healthier West Midlands while creating a network which works for everyone.”
Steven Meersman, Co-founder Director of Zenobē, said:
“Today marks another key milestone in National Express’s journey toward a zero-emission future, and Zenobē is proud to be a driving force behind it. What began over six years ago with just 19 vehicles at Yardley Wood has grown into a nationwide partnership, now supporting over 300 vehicles across the country.
“From procuring vehicles and onboard batteries to designing and managing charging infrastructure, we’ve delivered a fully tailored, end-to-end solution at Yardley Wood that supports National Express’s bold ambitions and meets their long-term operational goals.”
Image courtesy of National Express West Midlands
