Zero-emission minicoach support is as relevant to coach-related work via the second round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB2) challenge fund as the purchase of full-size models, an operator involved in the consortium-based approach has said.
Maynes Coaches of Buckie is among a number of coach businesses that have created a consortium to bid for funds from ScotZEB2 for zero-emission coaches and associated infrastructure. While that looks predominantly to larger vehicles, Operations Director Kevin Mayne says that it will also call for a number of accessible zero-emission minicoaches in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter size class.
Specification of such vehicles with an OEM has begun, Mr Mayne continues. “I have been calling for a zero-emission minicoach because my corporate clients are doing the same,” he explains. A guidance document outlines that to £60,000 is available from ScotZEB2 towards zero-emission vehicles in that size category, which he believes “makes the sums achievable.”
Maynes is undertaking significant expansion work at its Buckie depot to accommodate a growing business, but with an eye on future zero-emission. Solar power forms part of plans along with provision for charging points. Decisions on successful ScotZEB2 bids are expected late this year.
Mr Mayne notes that pressure from whisky distilleries to move to zero-emission transport has opened the door to charging vehicles at those locations. A charging point configured for minicoaches forms part of its operating centre plans. The projected model to be deployed will have a rear lift and space for two wheelchair users, with ScotZEB2 funding contingent on vehicles being accessible.
A demonstrator Yutong TCe12 has already proved that battery-electric is operationally compliant with Maynes’ more local commitments, with gaps in duties allowing a mid-day charge. The operator’s vision around zero-emission currently focuses on that work rather than long-distance duties.
Maynes has engaged with suppliers BluMarbl and Zenobe as part of readying for ScotZEB2 bidding, with an indication that graduated purchase of zero-emission coaches over multiple years is ideal should the consortium’s bid be successful. The operator’s work on Orkney involving cruise ships is also well-suited to zero-emission, Mr Mayne continues.
While acknowledging that Maynes’ plans for zero-emission are ambitious, and reliant on success in ScotZEB2, he points out that the shift must start somewhere for coaches.
“You will always hear negativity. That comes back to AdBlue, digital tachographs, and so on. But having seen the capabilities of a battery-electric coach, I am nothing but positive about the move.” Scope for successful bids to draw down funding over three financial years is a further bonus, he continues.
The scheme’s consortium-based approach also gains praise. Mr Mayne notes that bus operators in Scotland with much greater experience of battery-electric are engaging with coach businesses, a move that could lead to charging of coaches in bus depots during the day. “We should be working very closely together,” he says. “There should be no divide.”
Maynes is fortunate that its depot is adjacent to a high-voltage line between Buckie and Portessie, although there is scope to use lower-power portable chargers at other operating centres.
