First Bus and Centrica, an international energy and services company, have announced a partnership to secure Centrica access to First Bus’ rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at bus depots nationwide.
The new deal sees Centrica join the ranks of Openreach, DPD and Police Scotland, plugging into this shared infrastructure initiative from First Bus.
The initial phase of the partnership will enable Centrica to charge a selection of its EV fleet at First Bus’ Leicester depot while buses are out on the road in service.
The partnership then has the potential to extend to further depots across the bus operator’s UK infrastructure in the future.
First Bus is harnessing its EV infrastructure to help support local communities and businesses to reach their environmental aspirations.
Centrica currently has more than 3000 electric vehicles in its fleet but is aiming to convert all its diesel vehicles to zero-emissions by 2030.
The partnership officially launched at First Bus’ Leicester depot with a visit from Department for Transport minister Lilian Greenwood MP, who joined representatives from First Bus and Centrica to highlight the role the electric vehicle infrastructure will play in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport.
Minister for the future of roads Lilian Greenwood said: “It’s fantastic to see this partnership between First Bus and Centrica to help engineers in making the switch to electric.
“This government is supporting more and more people to make the move to zero emission vehicles.
“Whether charging at home, in public, or in depots like this – we’re dedicated to making charging as easy as possible, with £200m announced in the Budget to further boost infrastructure across the country.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
