Stagecoach has announced a major partnership with Schneider Electric to accelerate the electrification of its fleet nationwide.
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation and is providing electrical infrastructure, software and services that will support Stagecoach’s transmission to zero-emission vehicles.
The operator is set to deploy the supplier’s ‘EcoStruxure for eMobility’ solution at multiple sites across the UK. That comprises ultra-rapid EV charging points, advanced electrical distribution systems, and what Schneider calls a tailored EcoCare membership for support and maintenance.
A modular approach is taken to infrastructure, meaning scalability is in mind as Stagecoach’s electric fleet expands. As part of the package, Stagecoach is being provided with a medium voltage/low voltage substation, which provides electricity from the grid in a single-source outdoor assembly; LV Feeder Pillars, a low-voltage switchboard that feeds and controls electricity supply; and EVlink Pro DC ultra-rapid charging stations.
Comments Tony Cockcroft, Asset Management and Infrastructure Director, at Stagecoach: “Stagecoach is committed to zero-emission transport and we are expanding our fleet of state-of-the art electric buses to meet our goals. As part of this transition, it’s vital we have the infrastructure to ensure smart, reliable charging of our fleet.
“Schneider Electric is the obvious choice as our partner on this journey. It is a leader in energy transition across the public transport sector offering smart charging solutions which can adapt as we move towards the total electrification of our nationwide fleet. Our new approach to support and maintenance means we can take a more proactive, planned approach, working hand-in-hand with Schneider Electric experts. We can quickly identify possible issues before they become major headaches and plan our works with minimal impact on our bus services.”
David Hall, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Power Systems, UK and Ireland, adds: “Picking up the pace of the electrification of public transport is critical as we head towards our net-zero targets. For many, it can be challenging to match operational needs with sustainability goals. We are working with Stagecoach to ensure it has the infrastructure, insights, and support it needs to ensure reliable, greener journeys for its passengers.”
