First Bus has selected electrical engineering specialist Ampcontrol to support the electrification of its bus fleets.
The two companies launched the partnership in November 2022 at First’s Caledonia Depot in Glasgow. The depot hosts 160 dual-headed DC fast chargers and is expected to see 150 battery-electric buses in service. Ampcontrol will optimise energy costs using what it describes as “the most advanced energy optimisation for buses in the UK” while ensuring high uptime and on-time departure of the fleet.
“We are excited to facilitate First Bus’ strong sustainability vision and help it reach its net zero target with a smart and reliable solution,” says Joachim Lohse, CEO and founder of Ampcontrol. “First Bus’ vision and belief in fleet electrification already set it apart from other bus operators worldwide, and I believe our solution will significantly increase its value proposition.”
Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Ampcontrol as a partner for our Caledonia depot, the UK’s largest EV charging hub.
“We are about to welcome our 150th electric vehicle to the depot which will serve the people of Glasgow every day, and Ampcontrol’s cutting-edge technology will align with our other partners to help us continue towards our Zero Emission Mission for 2035.”
First Bus has outlined plans to operate a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035 in 2020 and has committed to operate a net-zero business by 2050.
