Stagecoach South East has received five Volvo BZL battery-electric single-deck buses for use on the Dover Fastrack bus rapid transit (BRT) service. They are to enter service on 23 February and are the first 10.8m examples of the BZL for the UK to be fitted with inverted pantograph-based opportunity charging.
The BZLs will displace diesel buses that have been used on Dover Fastrack since the service began in late 2024. Provision of BRT in Dover is a partnership between the operator, Kent County Council and Dover District Council and sits alongside the earlier Kent Thameside Fastrack.
Part-funding for the buses has come through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme. While the BZLs have a range of up to 185 miles, VEV has installed an opportunity charger at Dover Priory railway station for rapid replenishment during the day.
VEV has also provided the depot power supply and smart charging software to deliver real-time visibility and control over the charging ecosystem, supporting charger uptime and cost optimisation. The supplier carried out a similar exercise for the Kent Thameside Fastrack battery-electric fleet.
Stagecoach South East Managing Director Joel Mitchell says that debut of the BZLs for Dover Fastrack “represents a major investment for the people of Dover and for Kent as a whole.”
He adds: “These electric buses will provide a smoother, quieter journey for our customers while significantly reducing environmental impact. It is an important step forward in delivering a more sustainable public transport network for the region.”
Volvo Bus UK and Ireland Managing Director Domenico Bondi underlines Mr Mitchell’s comments about the significance of the delivery.
“Seeing the first fully electric buses enter service in East Kent is an important moment for the region, and we are proud that Volvo Buses can play a part in supporting cleaner air and better journeys for the local community.
“Strong partnerships like this are essential to delivering sustainable public transport, and we look forward to continuing our work together.”
