British bus operator Stagecoach and renewable energy company SSE are to pilot a new community EV charging hub in Scotland.
Under the plans Stagecoach bus depots, which SSE Energy Solutions provides the EV infrastructure for, could become available to other fleet users such as logistics companies, when buses are out on service.
Stagecoach buses typically operate between 7am to 7pm and are then charged overnight, which means the charging infrastructure is potentially free and available during the day for other EVs to be charged from.
According to Stagecoach, this approach could assist efforts to create a network of rapid charging hubs for fleets that travel across the country, further helping efforts to decarbonise the transport sector.
Sam Greer, Stagecoach regional director for Scotland, said: “Electric charging infrastructure is a significant investment and there is a real opportunity to maximise the benefit of the technology by making facilities available to other fleet users, such as logistics companies.
“As well as helping accelerate decarbonisation, it would complement the wider opportunities beyond technology to cut carbon emissions from the transport sector and reduce local air pollution through a shift away from cars to more sustainable public transport, cycling and walking.”
Kevin Welstead, EV sector director of SSE Energy Solutions, added: “In Glasgow we are building the infrastructure for 150 green buses by the end of the year, and we’re keen we leave a lasting and sustainable legacy for Scotland.”
Stagecoach has partnered with SSE to deliver the charging infrastructure for its new e-buses being introduced later this year at its depots in Aberdeen and Perth. The location for the new community charging hub pilot will be announced later this year.
