National Express West Midlands has introduced a fleet of 170 new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decker zero-emission buses, as part of a £95 million investment aimed at modernizing its fleet. This expansion is a significant step toward the company’s goal of operating a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030.
The new electric buses bring the total number of electric vehicles in the fleet to 329, representing nearly a quarter of National Express West Midlands’ buses. Each electric bus is expected to save 61 tonnes of carbon annually, contributing to a reduction of almost 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. This initiative is part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce its environmental impact, improve air quality, and address climate change.
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director at National Express West Midlands, emphasized that the introduction of these new vehicles goes beyond environmental benefits. “These clean, green double-decker buses not only improve efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint but also enhance the passenger experience with quieter, smoother, and more comfortable journeys,” he said.
In addition to the new buses, National Express West Midlands has modernized its Yardley Wood depot, which was originally built in 1938. The depot now features advanced charging infrastructure to support the new electric fleet, with another electrification upgrade at the Perry Barr depot set to complete in the coming weeks.
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Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, highlighted the region’s commitment to greener public transport, noting the fleet of electric buses in Coventry and the ongoing expansion across Birmingham, the Black Country, and Solihull. “This initiative means cleaner air, quieter streets, and a more reliable service for passengers,” Parker said. He also emphasized the importance of buses in the region’s transport network, with over half a million trips made daily.
Zenobē, an electric fleet and battery storage specialist, is supporting National Express West Midlands by providing an Electric Transport as a Service (ETaaS) solution. This includes financing the vehicles, on-board batteries, and the installation of rapid chargers. Zenobē’s integration of a second-life battery system ensures that the buses are efficiently charged, even during peak periods. The buses have a charging time of four hours and can run up to 280 km, depending on seasonal conditions.
See also: WMCA to Develop Three DC Charging Hubs in West Midlands with 20 Chargers Each
Steven Meersman, Co-founder Director of Zenobē, expressed pride in the partnership’s growth, saying, “From starting with just 19 vehicles, this nationwide collaboration has expanded to support over 300 vehicles across the country, delivering a comprehensive solution that aligns with National Express’s long-term operational goals.”