Guernsey has received its first set of two electric buses as part of an incremental replacement of the island’s bus fleet.
Having previously been trialled on the island; the vehicles are the first electric buses to have been purchased by the States of Guernsey.
Falling in line with Guernsey’s aim to reduce emissions by 57% on 1990 levels by 2030, the vehicles are set to enter operation once training and route familiarisation has been completed.
The electric buses were originally intended to be purchased alongside four diesel vehicles, but following the manufacturer’s withdrawal from the market, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure opted for a different approach, purchasing the three smaller Mercedes Sprinter vehicles, which it had previously leased.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:Greenhouse gas emissions from road transport have gradually reduced over time, but on island transport is still the largest contributor of emissions. Introducing two electric buses will not only enable us to reduce Guernsey's emissions, but it will also reduce ongoing operating and maintenance costs.
We're pleased to be working alongside Stagecoach on this who have experience in this area from introducing electric vehicles in the UK.
