Ayrshire operator Shuttle Buses is working with supplier VEV on the electrification of its bus fleet. Charging infrastructure using 100% renewable energy and the VEV-IQ smart charging platform are already installed, while solar panels and battery storage are set to follow.
The initiative is expected to reduce Shuttle Buses’ carbon emissions by 34,000kg per annum. As part of the work, the operator is looking to open its charging network to other fleets, aided by VEV’s technology platform.
Employee-owned Shuttle Buses already operates an EVM e-Cityline battery-electric minibus and two Mellor Sigma 8 single-deckers. It also has an Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV on order as the first independent operator to commit to that model.
The solar panel and stationary battery project will generate 148,000 kWh of power each year, which will be enough to power two buses. Its delivery is subject to planning permission and surveys, VEV notes.
Speaking about the work, Managing Director of the Kilwinning operator Ross Granger says: “VEV understood our environmental and business goals and offered a turnkey solution to support the electrification of our bus fleet.
“We are looking at opening up our charging infrastructure to other fleets and the VEV-IQ platform will be critical to that.”
VEV CEO Mike Nakrani outlined the supplier’s plans for the bus industry in 2023. Speaking about the arrangement with Shuttle Buses, he says: “This project highlights the value in an integrated e-fleet solution, from charging infrastructure to renewable energy and intelligent management software.
“We are committed to helping fleets make the transition to electric smoothly, smartly and sustainably, and we look forward to supporting Shuttle Buses’ decarbonisation goals further with solar power generation and battery storage.”
