Stagecoach has announced the UK’s first fully-electric city bus network in Inverness, with 25 new zero-emission Yutong E10 buses now operating on all city centre routes.
According to Stagecoach, the vehicles can operate throughout the day on a single charge, with each seat equipped with USB charging points. The interior is also fitted with LED lights and contactless payment functionality.
The buses are also intended to improve passenger experiences and reduce noise pollution through the elimination of engine noise and vibration.
The £10.8m investment was supported by the Scottish Government’s Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), with charging infrastructure being installed at the Inverness depot ahead of the launch.
The coach and bus operator claims to use 100% renewable electricity across its business operations.
Stagecoach has said it will be launching two further fully-electric city bus networks in Perth and Dunfermline in the coming months.
Jenny Gilruth, minister for transport in Scotland, said: “With this significant introduction of 25 new electric buses, Stagecoach is showing a welcome commitment to help meet Scotland’s world leading climate change targets.
“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support the ambitions of Stagecoach in Inverness, as part of our Mission Zero for Transport, by providing £5.8m through our Scottish Zero Emission Bus Scheme.
“In addition to better air quality and reduced noise pollution across the city, these modern zero-emission buses will offer an improved customer experience and help more people in Inverness to choose bus.”
Stagecoach is currently working towards a zero emission UK bus fleet by 2035.
