Stagecoach is using Centrica’s electric vehicle enablement solution to power its electric buses in Manchester.

Following £6.9 million in funding from the Department of Transport’s Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme, Stagecoach has introduced 32 fully-electric double decker e-buses on routes in Manchester, with a further two in Cambridge.

The buses are equipped with two charging points and each charger has twin 40kW AC feeds.

When combined, the 80kW supply means the buses can be recharged in just three-and-a-half hours.

Centrica Business Solutions led the design and delivery of the charging infrastructure project which includes a new 6.6kV HV timed connection, 2MVA transformer, on site solar generation and charger energy management system.

The system is built with expansion in mind, enabling Stagecoach to scale their energy needs, when further routes are electrified.

Elisabeth Tasker, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “This is a significant milestone in the history of transport in Greater Manchester and represents one of the biggest single investments in electric buses anywhere in Europe.

“It will deliver major benefits for our customers, the region and other road users in delivering greener transport on some of Manchester’s busiest roads.” 

The Enviro EV400 bus is a joint venture between Alexander Dennis, which delivered the chassis, body and internal furnishings, while the batteries and drive train were provided by BYD. Each has a range of up to 190 miles and capacity to carry around 80 passengers.

The e-bus fleet operates two key high frequency services connecting Manchester city centre, Manchester Airport, five hospitals and two universities, saving 920,000 litres of diesel a year and reducing annual CO₂ by 2,400 tonnes.