Powering Liverpool’s next generation of electric buses
Stagecoach’s Gillmoss depot has been electrified to support Liverpool City Region’s phased transition to zero-emission buses and bus franchising. The upgraded site provides charging infrastructure for more than 100 battery-electric double-decker buses.
100 + electric buses
Charging infrastructure to support more than 100 battery-electric double-decker buses.
54 electric chargers
Dual-socket 160kW chargers providing 108 charging sockets.
5 MVA power capacity
A new power connection supported by three substations and three low-voltage panels.
Challenges
Liverpool City Region is electrifying its bus network in phases, alongside the rollout of publicly owned buses and the move to a franchised model.
Gillmoss will play a central role in that transition. Operated by Stagecoach, the depot serves routes across Liverpool and Knowsley and will act as the primary hub for the region’s expanding electric fleet.
To support this transition, the depot needed the charging infrastructure and electrical capacity to accommodate more than 100 battery-electric double-decker buses, alongside a practical programme for phased vehicle rollout, driver training, testing and day-to-day electric bus operations.
Solution
VEV delivered the high-powered charging infrastructure and electrical backbone needed to support electric bus operations at scale at Gillmoss.
The works included the installation of 54 dual-socket 160kW chargers, providing 108 charging sockets, supported by a new 5MVA power connection, three substations and three low-voltage panels.
The VEV IQ smart charging platform will help reduce energy costs by shifting load to cheaper times of the day.
Delivered as part of a multi-party project with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Stagecoach, SP Energy Networks and Liverpool City Council, the programme provides a practical platform for phased vehicle rollout, driver training, testing and day-to-day electric bus operations.
Outcome
- Charging infrastructure in place to support more than 100 battery-electric double-decker buses.
- 108 charging sockets available across 54 dual-socket 160kW chargers.
- A new 5MVA power connection, three substations and three low-voltage panels providing the electrical capacity for the fleet.
- A practical platform for phased vehicle rollout, driver training, testing and day-to-day electric bus operations.
- VEV IQ will help reduce energy costs by shifting charging to cheaper times of the day.
Supporting your transition to electric buses
From charging infrastructure and power connections to smart charging software, VEV helps bus operators prepare their depots for electric fleets.
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54 dual-socket 160kW Chargers
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Stagecoach Gillmoss site completion
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Stagecoach Gillmoss at night
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Detail
The depot will act as the primary hub for the region’s expanding electric fleet, serving routes across Liverpool and Knowsley.
Gillmoss shows how depot electrification can support wider transport reform: aligning charging infrastructure, power capacity, operational planning and public-sector investment to help Liverpool City Region move towards cleaner, publicly controlled bus services at scale.
