A new electric charging hub has been created at Sheffield Interchange bus station to cater for four new BYD ADL Enviro200EV electric buses.
Installed by SWARCO Smart Charging, the equipment is supported by Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas funding secured by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
The new 10.2m-long single-deckers will operate on the free Sheffield Connect service in the city centre from next month onwards.
They will be charged via four 100kW CCS (combined charging system) chargers, which have dual charging points, meaning the hub could power eight buses simultaneously.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, says: “We’re delighted to see the very first fully electric buses arrive in South Yorkshire. They are just the first of many that will start operating in the region over the next few weeks, with the support of the Mayoral Combined Authority. Electric vehicles are critical to decarbonising our bus fleet, achieving our net zero ambitions, and improving air quality for South Yorkshire’s residents.”
Lara Navetta, Sales Director for SWARCO Smart Charging adds: “We are delighted to see the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s vision come to life and to be supporting the electrification of buses in South Yorkshire.
“SYMCA has ambitious plans for South Yorkshire and the switch to electric buses for the Sheffield Connect route is just a start. SYMCA has taken a very smart approach to creating the charging infrastructure; the charging hub will be able to support the future electrification of fleets running through Sheffield Interchange.”