Stagecoach West Scotland Launches World’s First Electric Midibuses for Ayrshire Communities

Stagecoach West Scotland has introduced 12 new electric midibuses to enhance public transportation in Ayrshire, marking the global debut of the Enviro100EV vehicle type. This initiative is part of a £5 million investment aimed at improving local transport options across East, South, and North Ayrshire.

These electric buses are designed by Alexander Dennis Limited and are engineered for navigating areas where larger buses may struggle, making them ideal for the region’s diverse communities. The introduction of the Enviro100EV expands Stagecoach’s electric fleet to 60 vehicles operating in Ayrshire, significantly contributing to cleaner, quieter public transport with zero emissions and engine noise. The buses feature modern amenities, including onboard USB charging points and contactless payment systems.

Paul Davies, President & Managing Director of Alexander Dennis, expressed pride in the launch, emphasizing that the Enviro100EV is engineered to provide the feel of a larger bus while delivering the benefits of a compact electric vehicle. He noted, “This is a really proud moment for the team at Alexander Dennis as the very first Enviro100EV is officially launched in partnership with Stagecoach here in West Scotland, supporting routes across East, South, and North Ayrshire.”

The launch follows a previous investment of £15.7 million that introduced 27 single-deck buses to the region, demonstrating Stagecoach’s commitment to enhancing public transport infrastructure. Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, highlighted the significance of the new midibuses, stating, “The 12 new EV midibuses are an important addition to our service and they will serve communities in Ayr, Irvine, and Kilmarnock.”

The Enviro100EV is equipped with a robust 354 kWh battery capacity, providing an impressive range of up to 285 miles on a single charge. Davies remarked on the bus’s performance, stating, “We know this fleet of small buses will enjoy a long, productive working life supporting Stagecoach West Scotland with their targets for a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.”