FlixBus has announced that it will be piloting the first 100% electric long-distance coach service in England and Wales from 21 March.
This pilot will run until June 2024, transporting passengers between London, Bristol and Newport.
The three-month trial on FlixBus’ long-distance coach network will be conducted with operator partner Newport Transport.
Newport Transport also provides Newport’s municipal bus services and operates 60 percent of its local bus services with zero tailpipe emissions.
Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK said:This is a huge step forward for the UK coach sector, transforming the already low-carbon mode of transport to zero-emission at the tailpipe through innovative technology.
As the first electric long-distance coach service in England and Wales, we’re sending a powerful message about our continued commitment to bring even more sustainable travel options for the public, and our determination to drive forward the change needed to reduce the impact on the climate.
The electric coach has 46 seats and is equipped with a toilet, USB charging points and free WiFi.
It has a battery rating of 282kWh and will be recharged at a Transport UK London Bus depot in Battersea, London and Newport Transport’s headquarters in South Wales.
Compared to the average diesel-fuelled coach, this vehicle will save 352kg of carbon emissions per day, while also improving air quality.
David Jenkins, Interim Managing Director from Newport Transport said:Flix, as a global leader in travel tech, is the brand with passion and ambition to bring this vision to life, and we are delighted to partner on such a momentous pilot project.
Newport Transport has been leading the way in bringing electric vehicles to our network of local bus services in South East Wales and into England and bringing this electric vehicle to the intercity coach market is the next big step.
