London-based electric coach operator Watts Way Travel has begun using the First Charge network to support the continued expansion of its zero-emission operations across the UK.
The operator, which runs a fleet of 50, 57 and 72-seat electric coaches, now has access to First Charge’s network of electrified bus depots, which will support the company with the ability to charge en-route, enabling longer-distance operations.
Thus far, First Charge has opened 14 electrified depots to third-party commercial vehicles as part of an aim to create a shared charging network designed to support both First Bus’s own zero-emission fleet and the wider commercial vehicle sector as transport decarbonisation accelerates.
This network includes locations in Aberdeen, Basildon, Bristol, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Norwich, Portsmouth, Taunton and York, aiding operators with access to rapid charging infrastructure across major regional and intercity routes.
Andy Gwilliam, Head of Product & Standards at First Charge, said:We're seeing increasing interest from commercial vehicle operators looking for practical, reliable charging infrastructure to support electrification.
Operators like Watts Way Travel are helping demonstrate what's possible with electric coaches today, and shared charging infrastructure will play an important role in giving more operators the confidence to make the transition.
Our depots are already supporting a growing number of third-party commercial fleets, and it's exciting to see pioneering coach operators making use of the network and helping drive the adoption of zero-emission transport across the industry.
