SWARCO Smart Charging has established a new electric bus charging hub at the Sheffield Interchange to power South Yorkshire’s first electric buses.
The EV charging infrastructure has been installed on behalf of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), which secured funding from the UK government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
It will be used to recharge four electric BYD-Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV single-deck buses that are set to commence service on the Sheffield Connect route in April.
“We’re delighted to see the very first fully electric buses arrive in South Yorkshire. They are just the first of many that will start operating in the region over the next few weeks, with the support of the Mayoral Combined Authority. Electric vehicles are critical to decarbonising our bus fleet, achieving our net zero ambitions, and improving air quality for South Yorkshire’s residents.”
The new charging hub is equipped with four 100kW CCS chargers with dual charging points. This infrastructure can accommodate up to eight buses simultaneously and will thus be able to support other bus operators deploying electric vehicles from Sheffield Interchange in the future.
The chargers will be managed by SWARCO’s E.Connect system, which will provide detailed usage and charge information. This will enable SYMCA to accurately bill bus and coach operators based on usage.
What’s more, the smart management software will allow SWARCO to carry out remote service and maintenance to ensure the smooth running of SYMCA’s new charging hub.
“We are delighted to see the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s vision come to life and to be supporting the electrification of buses in South Yorkshire.
“SYMCA has ambitious plans for South Yorkshire and the switch to electric buses for the Sheffield Connect route is just a start. SYMCA has taken a very smart approach to creating the charging infrastructure; the charging hub will be able to support the future electrification of fleets running through Sheffield Interchange.”
