Bus Electrification with DC Charging and Solar Power — Stagecoach
150
Electric buses
£ 1000000 +
Estimated savings
4 Depots
With high powered DC charging
Challenge
Stagecoach, the UK’s largest transport operator, needed to electrify a significant portion of its fleet as part of its long-term decarbonisation strategy.
The transition required:
- High-powered DC charging infrastructure across multiple depots
- Integration of renewable energy generation to reduce reliance on grid electricity
- Smart charging to manage energy efficiently
- Delivery without disrupting daily operations
Electrification had to deliver both sustainability impact and operational reliability at scale.
Solution
VEV was appointed to deliver high-powered DC charging infrastructure across four UK depots, supporting the rollout of 150 electric buses.
The solution combined:
- Installation of high-powered DC chargers to support fleet operations
- Integration of solar power generation to reduce long-term electricity costs
- Deployment of VEV IQ, VEV’s smart charging and energy management platform, to optimise charging schedules and power usage
By aligning charging infrastructure, renewable generation and intelligent energy management, VEV created a coordinated electrification solution built for scale.
"The depth of VEV’s expertise in this field was a key draw for Stagecoach, and we're pleased to work with them on our electrification projects, leveraging their global experience to drive our sustainability goals forward"
Outcome
- 150 electric buses successfully integrated into operations
- Four depots equipped with high-powered DC charging infrastructure
- Estimated lifetime power cost savings exceeding £1 million
- Improved visibility and optimisation of energy usage through VEV IQ
The project demonstrates how fleet electrification, when combined with renewable generation and smart energy management, can reduce operating costs while accelerating decarbonisation.
More than 1 in 5 UK buses charge, operate and cut cost using VEV IQ.
Councils and bus operators are leading the way with the take up of electric vehicles to decarbonise and meet net zero targets. Electric buses improve local air quality and reduce noise pollution, providing a positive impact on local communities.
Project Gallery
Detail
VEV delivered high-powered DC charging infrastructure across four UK depots to support Stagecoach’s transition to electric buses.
The integration of solar generation contributes to long-term cost savings, with projected lifetime power savings exceeding £1 million.
VEV IQ provides ongoing monitoring and optimisation of charging activity, helping Stagecoach manage fleet readiness while improving energy efficiency.
Founded in 1980, Stagecoach is the UK’s largest transport operator, connecting major towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales as part of its long-term commitment to net-zero carbon.
