First Bus has begun work to convert its James Street site in York into what would be one of the first fully electric depots in the UK outside London.
Groundwork is being laid by Stonewood Electrical in preparation for power charging and infrastructure being installed by September and the removal of the diesel fuel tanks.
Funding for the project has come via a Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) grant of £10.2 million and an investment of £13 million from First Bus.
The depot will have 28 Heliox Rapid 150 kW (kilowatt) chargers, which are capable of fully charging a bus in two and a half hours. This is in addition to the depot’s existing units installed over recent years for buses on York’s park-and-ride network.
Simon Carlisle, Engineering Director of First North and West Yorkshire, says: “This is the beginning of a new future for the depot and a green transport revolution in York.
“It is real evidence of our continuing successful partnership with City of York Council in bringing major improvements to bus services and supporting a shared ambition for a net-zero transport system and reducing carbon emissions in the city.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, adds: “The city is aiming to achieve its carbon-reduction targets and increasing the use of sustainable transport is a key element. High-quality electric buses encourage greater use of the network, improve air quality and provide sustainable travel routes across York.
“Working with our partners we aim to deliver a bus network that is reliable, safe, convenient and attractive to residents, commuters and visitors.”
Stephen Wood, UK and Ireland Lead at Heliox, which is also installing infrastructure at other First depots, says: “I am extremely proud of the Heliox team and our partnership with First Bus.
“The launch of this depot is a positive step towards making York a more sustainable city and we are delighted to support First Bus in its commitment to transition to electric vehicles in line with 2035 zero-emission targets.”
First intends to have an all-electric fleet in the city by next year, boosted by an order with Wrightbus earlier this year.
Meanwhile, work is progressing elsewhere on electrification of First depots. Infrastructure is expected to completed in the next few weeks at its site in Leicester, with 35 of the 68 single-deckers from Wrightbus having already arrived and a further 18 double-deckers due for delivery next year. Full electric conversion of its depot in Norwich is also due to start in the coming weeks.
