VEV and Stagecoach Power UK's Green Bus Revolution
Stagecoach, the UK's largest bus and coach operator, has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the completion of its first fully electric bus depot in Chesterfield. Delivered in partnership with VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol, the project marks the beginning of a broader initiative to electrify four key depots nationwide.
By Spring 2025, 57 electric buses will replace more than two-thirds of the existing diesel fleet serving Chesterfield and North Eastern Derbyshire. The transition has been made possible through funding from the UK government's ZEBRA 2 scheme, Derbyshire County Council and Stagecoach.
A UK electrification strategy
Chesterfield is the largest of four planned electrification projects between VEV and Stagecoach, with additional sites in Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby. These projects will support 150 electric buses, significantly reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the UK's net-zero ambitions.
VEV has played a key role in Stagecoach's transition, providing an end-to-end solution that includes fleet and power analysis, charger installation, staff training and ongoing operational support. Its expertise ensures the seamless integration of electric buses into Stagecoach's existing network while optimising efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Smart infrastructure for a sustainable future
The Chesterfield depot features state-of-the-art charging infrastructure, including 27 dual DC 120kW chargers from Eko Energetyka, offering 54 charging sockets. A substantial 2.5MVA power upgrade ensures that the site can accommodate the increased energy demand of the new electric fleet.
Constructing and installing a 234kWp rooftop solar power plant will further enhance sustainability. Once operational, it expects to generate approximately 200MWh of renewable energy annually—at roughly half the cost of grid electricity. The initiative will save an estimated 48 tonnes of carbon emissions annually while reducing reliance on external power sources.
Optimised charging with VEV-IQ
VEV-IQ, a smart charging and energy management platform designed to optimise power usage, is at the core of the electrification effort. The system integrates with bus telematics, enabling real-time monitoring of vehicle state of charge, location and range. By implementing dynamic load management, Stagecoach can minimise energy costs and improve fleet performance and operational efficiency.
Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV, highlighted the significance of this milestone: "The completion of the Chesterfield depot is the first deliverable in our relationship with Stagecoach to support both their strategic and operational goals on fleet electrification.
"This isn't just about installing chargers – it's about providing a complete solution that encompasses fleet analysis, infrastructure, power optimisation, staff training and ongoing operational support to ensure a successful transition of the bus network to electric vehicles.
"Our VEV-IQ platform is the glue that holds this solution together, enabling Stagecoach to optimise its power consumption and reduce costs. There are very few solutions on the market that can deliver this level of sophisticated power management and operational insight."
A model for future depots
The Chesterfield project serves as a blueprint for Stagecoach's broader electrification strategy.
Our Chesterfield EV depot marks a significant step forward in our electrification journey. VEV's support has been crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to electric operations.
The sophisticated VEV-IQ platform provides us with the insights and control we need to optimise our fleet operations, make informed decisions about our business and enable additional revenue generation. We look forward to replicating this success with VEV at our other Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby sites.
Driving forward the future of public transport
As Stagecoach and VEV continue their partnership, the pioneering project will be an example of the future of public transport in the UK.
With cutting-edge infrastructure, smart energy management and a commitment to sustainability, the Chesterfield depot is reducing emissions and setting a precedent for how transport networks can transition to electric.
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