UK bus and coach operator Stagecoach has partnered with e-fleet solutions provider VEV to create a microgrid-based commercial EV charging hub at Stagecoach’s bus depot in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Now the companies have announced the successful delivery of the companies’ first third-party charge.

The Nuneaton depot boasts 45 high-powered EV chargers and a new solar power system, supported by VEV’s smart charging and digital energy management platform. Stagecoach plans to give other businesses access to its charging infrastructure during off-service hours, creating a secondary income stream while helping to advance transport decarbonization. Stagecoach and VEV successfully tested the system with an electric HGV, setting the stage for more third-party charging. 

“This is a huge step forward for the team as we continue to test and refine our offer before rollout more broadly,” said Marvin Smith, Head of Solutions Sales at Stagecoach. “What we’re building is truly unique, with wide bays that offer plenty of space for large vehicles, clean infrastructure and no queues.”

This milestone forms part of a wider regional electrification project from VEV to support the introduction of 150 new electric buses across depots in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Chesterfield. In addition to the new chargers, solar power generation has been installed at Chesterfield, Leamington and Nuneaton, reducing reliance on the national grid.

Source: VEV