Stagecoach South West will take delivery of battery-electric buses from Alexander Dennis, Volvo and Yutong as part of electrification work at depots in Barnstaple, Exeter and Torbay, it has confirmed.
News of the vehicle orders comes as infrastructure work commenced at Exeter ahead of arrival of the zero-emission fleet there in the summer. Similar work at Barnstaple and Torbay will follow, with the full fleet of 90 buses to have been deployed by early 2026.
Vehicles and infrastructure are being part-funded by successful bids to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme by Devon County Council and Torbay Council.
In total, 10 Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV small single-deckers and 48 Enviro400EV double-deckers will be procured alongside 20 Volvo BZLs and 12 Yutong E10s.
The BZL fleet is for Exeter, while Barnstaple will get seven Enviro100EVs and 14 Enviro400EVs. Torbay will gain the Yutongs along with three Enviro100EV and 34 Enviro400EVs.
In Exeter, the electrification work includes charging points at Matford park-and-ride site that will be available for use by the public when not needed by Stagecoach. That will create what the operator describes as a community charging hub with high-speed technology.
Stagecoach South West Managing Director Peter Knight (pictured, left) describes the start of preparation work in Exeter as “an exciting moment” for the business.
“This project would not be possible without the backing from local authority partners Devon County Council and Torbay Council, which share our ambitious plans to deliver a greener, thriving bus service for the region,” continues Mr Knight.
“Their support, along with the government’s and Stagecoach Group’s, gives us confidence in the future, and we look forward to welcoming the new fleet that will benefit the local community and bus users alike.”
The operator believes that the 20 Volvo battery-electrics for Exeter alone could result in an estimated reduction of up to 12,000 tonnes of CO2 over their estimated 15-year life.
Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport Cllr Andrea Davis (pictured, centre) has welcomed commencement of the preparation for the new electric buses. She notes that a move to zero-emission will hopefully appeal to more people “and encourage them to travel by bus.”
