Stagecoach partners with Schneider Electric to electrify UK bus fleet

Stagecoach has announced a nationwide programme to electrify its bus fleet, partnering with Schneider Electric to provide the necessary electrical infrastructure, software, and services to support the transition.

Schneider Electric will deliver its EcoStruxure for eMobility solution to multiple Stagecoach sites across the UK. This includes ultra-rapid EV charging points, electrical distribution infrastructure, and EcoCare membership for enhanced support and maintenance.

According to Government figures, the domestic transport sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the UK, accounting for 29.1% in 2023. Electrifying bus fleets is considered a crucial step towards meeting the UK's 2050 net zero target.

As part of the partnership between the two companies, Schneider Electric is providing Stagecoach with:

Medium Voltage/Low Voltage Package Substation: Supplies electricity from the grid in a single-source outdoor assembly tailored to Stagecoach's specific needs.

LV Feeder Pillars: Outdoor low voltage switchboards to feed and control electricity supply, which are pivotal for EV installations.

EVlink Pro DC: Next-generation ultra-rapid charging stations designed to maximise energy efficiency and uptime.

EcoCare Membership: Enhanced support through data analytics from connected assets, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance by experts around the clock.

"Stagecoach is committed to zero emission transport and we are expanding our fleet of state-of-the art electric buses to meet our goals. As part of this transition, it's vital we have the infrastructure to ensure smart, reliable charging of our fleet," noted Tony Cockcroft, Asset Management and Infrastructure Director at Stagecoach. 

"Schneider Electric is the obvious choice as our partner on this journey. It is a leader in energy transition across the public transport sector offering smart charging solutions which can adapt as we move towards the total electrification of our nationwide fleet."

"Our services carry millions of passengers every day and a safe and reliable service is vital," Cockcroft continued. 

"Our new approach to support and maintenance means we can take a more proactive, planned approach, working hand-in-hand with Schneider Electric experts. We can quickly identify possible issues before they become major headaches and plan our works with minimal impact on our bus services."

David Hall, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Power Systems, UK&I, added, "Picking up the pace of the electrification of public transport is critical as we head towards our net-zero targets. For many, it can be challenging to match operational needs with sustainability goals. We are working with Stagecoach to ensure it has the infrastructure, insights, and support it needs to ensure reliable, greener journeys for its passengers."