Stagecoach East Midlands has put the first battery-electric buses into service from its depot in Hull. Initially 42 are being deployed, a number that will rise to 55 within a year. Of the opening tranche, 32 are Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-decks and 10 are Yutong E10 single-decks.
The operator says that the electric buses will boost reliability through their reduced number of moving parts compared to a diesel. It notes how the new vehicles will need to be inspected every six weeks as a result, compared to every four weeks for diesel fleet members.
Battery-electric buses have come to Hull thanks to part-funding secured through a successful bid to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) scheme.
That involved Stagecoach alongside fellow operator East Yorkshire Buses, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council. An initial allocation was followed up by a further sum via a supplementary round of ZEBRA 2.
Dignitaries from both local authorities were present at an event at the MKM Stadium in Hull to launch the battery-electrics. They form what Stagecoach claims is “the biggest order of buses in the last 125 years for Hull.” Its Foster Street depot has gained 56 charging points to support the fleet.
Speaking about the arrivals, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director Matt Cranwell (pictured) says: “We are so proud to be bringing these wonderful new vehicles to our loyal customers in Hull. Investments like this aim to offer a more reliable and more comfortable service, as well as cleaner air for everyone.
“Our ongoing multi-million pound investment will continue to decarbonise our fleet while bringing state-of-the-art bus travel to our customers. As we invest in a new electric fleet to bring more sustainable public transport, we would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and give our new buses a go.”
Hull City Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure Cllr Mark Ieronimo adds that the shift towards battery-electric buses for the city “shows real confidence in Hull’s future.”
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