Electrifying Stagecoach Yorkshire - A sustainable transformation.
57 Electric buses
Deployed at the Chesterfield depot as part of a wider regional electrification programme
27 Dual 120 kW
Chargers providing 54 charging sockets across the depot
4.5 MVA
New grid connection supporting high-capacity depot operations
Challenge
Stagecoach Yorkshire embarked on a major electrification programme, beginning with the transformation of its Chesterfield depot — the first and largest of four planned projects delivered in partnership with VEV.
The transition from diesel to electric required:
- Overhauling 90-year-old depot infrastructure
- Securing sufficient power capacity for simultaneous charging
- Integrating renewable generation into site operations
- Coordinating multiple stakeholders across funding and delivery
The depot needed to support 57 electric buses while ensuring seamless daily operations serving Chesterfield and North Eastern Derbyshire.
Solution
VEV partnered closely with Stagecoach to design and deliver a fully integrated EV depot.
The solution included:
- Installation of 27 dual 120 kW DC chargers providing 54 sockets
- A new 4.5 MVA grid connection with 11 kV high-voltage power
- Infrastructure upgrades including new RMUs, 2 × 2 MVA substations and LV distribution panels
- Deployment of VEV-IQ smart charging management, synchronised with vehicle telematics
- Installation of a 234kWp rooftop solar array generating approximately 200 MWh annually
Extensive civil engineering works modernised the depot layout to enable safe, efficient electric operations.
"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."
Outcome
- Successful deployment of 57 electric buses
- Forecast annual carbon savings of 48 tonnes of CO₂
- Reduced reliance on grid electricity through on-site solar generation
- Lower energy costs via smart energy management
- A scalable model for expansion across Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby
The Chesterfield depot now sets a benchmark for Stagecoach’s wider regional electrification strategy.
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
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57+ electric buses at Stagecoach Yorkshire depot
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27 dual 120kW DC chargers installed
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Our dedicated team teaching operators how to maximise output with VEV IQ
Details
The project was delivered with funding support through the ZeBRA 2 government scheme, Derbyshire County Council, and Stagecoach.
VEV modernised the 90-year-old site, installing new high-voltage infrastructure and integrating smart energy management to balance cost, reliability and operational readiness.
The 234 kWp solar installation generates approximately 200 MWh per year, contributing to improved sustainability and reduced energy costs.
With VEV IQ enabling intelligent scheduling and real-time optimisation, Stagecoach Yorkshire now operates a future-ready depot aligned with its long-term sustainability objectives.
