First Bus has introduced four new electric buses into service in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.
The buses, which have been converted from diesel to electric power, have been fully refurbished and will run on Solent routes, including those travelling to and from Portsmouth University.
The vehicles have been introduced one year after the electrification of First Bus’ Hoeford depot in Fareham, which also saw the integration of 62 new electric buses into Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport in a collaboration with both Portsmouth and Hampshire City Councils.
Gary Weaver, First Bus South’s Engineering Director, said:We are proud to introduce these four converted electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.
This initiative not only provides a second life for existing vehicles but also delivers a low-carbon, sustainable transport option that benefits both passengers and the wider community.
At First Bus, we are committed to leading the way in the transition to greener public transport, and this project is another example of how we are making that happen.
The conversion of the four buses was undertaken by Wrightbus, and saw each vehicle’s diesel engine removed and replaced with an electric drive system as part of a repowering process.
The vehicles’ introduction forms part of a wider strategy from First Bus to initiate a full transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2035.
