Powering Zero Emission Bus Services in Loughborough
20 +
Electric buses supported through high-powered smart charging infrastructure
53 kWp
Solar PV installed on-site to generate renewable energy
44 MWh
Of renewable energy generated annually, saving up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ per year
Challenge
Kinchbus committed £8 million to transition its Loughborough depot to zero-emission bus operations.
To support the rollout of 22 electric buses, the operator needed:
- High-powered charging infrastructure
- Intelligent energy management
- Reduced grid impact
- Long-term cost optimisation
- Integration of on-site renewable generation
The solution had to support reliable daily public transport services while aligning with broader sustainability ambitions.
Solution
Kinchbus appointed VEV to design and deliver the charging and energy infrastructure at its Loughborough depot.
VEV deployed:
- High-powered smart charging systems
- Full integration with the VEV-IQ charging and energy management platform
- 53 kWp of on-site solar PV
- Renewable generation expected to produce 44 MWh annually
Once fully deployed, the electric fleet will require up to 1.4 GWh of electricity annually, managed through intelligent scheduling to optimise cost and grid performance.
The solution ensures that all vehicle charging is centrally managed and dynamically controlled via VEV IQ.
"Working with VEV has been a really positive experience. Their team brought a collaborative, solutions-focused approach that helped us move confidently through each stage of the project. We’ve valued their expertise and support, and we’re excited to see the impact as the buses go live."
Outcome
The project delivered:
- Infrastructure to support 22 fully electric buses
- Renewable generation reducing operational carbon impact
- Smarter charging reducing cost and grid exposure
- A foundation for one of the UK’s most electrified local bus networks
- Enhanced air quality and reduced emissions across Loughborough
Want to know how VEV has supported electrification in the bus industry?
As of now more than 1 in 5 buses in the UK charge, operate and cut cost using VEV-IQ.
Project Gallery
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Electric bus - Loughborough.
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High-powered smart charging systems - Loughborough depot.
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Electric buses in action - Loughborough.
Details
The electrification of the Loughborough depot combines infrastructure, energy optimisation and renewable generation into a single integrated system.
By managing up to 1.4 GWh of annual energy demand through VEV-IQ, Kinchbus can optimise fleet charging schedules, reduce electricity costs, minimise grid strain, and improve long-term operational resilience.
The addition of on-site solar further strengthens the depot’s sustainability credentials, supporting measurable annual CO₂ savings.
