First Bus is preparing to introduce a fleet of repowered electric buses in Bath as part of a broader program to expand zero-emission public transport across the West of England.
The converted vehicles will enter service over the coming months alongside newly built battery-electric buses being deployed in Bath, Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.
The latest rollout forms part of a wider investment initiative aimed at accelerating the electrification of the company’s regional bus operations.
Electric Fleet Expansion Continues
First Bus said 27 repowered electric buses will be introduced in Bath, complementing 17 new battery-electric buses for the city.
The operator is also adding four new electric buses in Weston-super-Mare and 116 electric buses to the Bristol network, which will operate from the Lawrence Hill depot.
At the same time, work is continuing to electrify the company’s Hengrove depot in south Bristol, which is expected to become a fully electric operating facility.
Infrastructure upgrades are also underway at the Bath depot, located between the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
According to First Bus, the facility is its only island bus depot.
Diesel Buses Converted to Electric Power
The 27 vehicles destined for Bath have undergone conversion from diesel to battery-electric operation.
The process involves removing diesel engines and gearboxes and replacing them with battery systems, electrical wiring and supporting components.
According to the operator, the buses also receive broader mechanical upgrades and complete interior and exterior refurbishment during the conversion process.
The work was carried out by Wrightbus subsidiary NewPower, a business focused on converting existing diesel-powered buses into electric vehicles.
First Bus became NewPower’s first customer when it placed an initial order in 2024.
The operator has also worked with conversion specialist KleanDrive, commissioning the repowering of 30 StreetDeck buses in 2025 and investing £1 million in the company.
£150 Million Electrification Program
The deployment is part of a broader investment plan valued at £90 million, including £70 million from First Bus and £20 million in government funding secured through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
By spring 2027, total spending on electric buses and charging infrastructure across the region is expected to reach approximately £150 million.
The program includes vehicle procurement, depot electrification and charging infrastructure upgrades.
Focus on Sustainability
Doug Claringbold, Regional Director for South and West at First Bus, said the latest developments represent another milestone in the company’s transition toward a lower-emission fleet.
“Yet again we’re hitting more milestones in our electrification of our West of England fleet,” said Claringbold.
“Not only are we heading towards our Hengrove depot being 100% electric with the arrival of more buses this year, but we’re also excited to welcome our first repowers, demonstrating a real commitment to going even further in our efforts to be more sustainable.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said the introduction of the converted buses marked an important step for the region’s public transport network.
“This is a big day for Bath & North East Somerset, with the first green buses now at home at the city’s First Bus depot,” Godwin said.
“It’s also a big day for the whole of the West of England, thanks to our first converted electric buses rolling out too.”
Growing Interest in Bus Repowering
The project reflects increasing interest among public transport operators in repowering existing vehicles as an alternative to purchasing entirely new electric buses.
By converting existing fleets, operators can potentially extend vehicle lifecycles while reducing emissions and limiting capital expenditure.
As bus companies across the United Kingdom continue pursuing decarbonization targets, repowering programs are emerging alongside new vehicle purchases as part of broader fleet transition strategies.