VEV, a subsidiary of energy and commodities firm Vitol, has completed work on an electric bus hub for Stagecoach in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, paving the way for the deployment of 57 electric buses in spring 2025. The new fleet will replace more than two-thirds of the diesel buses currently operating in the area.
The hub, an expansion of Stagecoach’s existing Chesterfield depot, includes 27 dual DC 120 kW chargers supplied by Eko Energetyka, providing a total of 54 charging sockets. A 2.5 MVA power upgrade has also been installed, and VEV is in the process of adding rooftop solar panels, which are expected to generate around 200 MWh of electricity annually.
See also: Olectra Greentech Orders 2,325 Electric Bus Chassis from BYD
The Chesterfield facility is the first of four electric bus hubs planned under VEV’s collaboration with Stagecoach, with additional projects underway in Nuneaton, Rugby, and another site in Chesterfield. VEV’s involvement extends beyond infrastructure, offering comprehensive support including fleet analysis, charger installation, staff training, and operational assistance.
“This isn’t just about installing chargers – it’s about providing a complete solution that encompasses fleet analysis, infrastructure, power optimisation, staff training, and ongoing operational support,” said VEV CEO Mike Nakrani.
The initiative also incorporates VEV’s smart charging and energy management platform, VEV-IQ, which integrates dynamic load management, power purchasing tools, and bus telematics. The system enables Stagecoach to optimise power consumption, reduce costs, and monitor fleet performance at scale.
See also: Sweden’s Svealandstrafiken Expands Volvo Electric Bus Order to 106 Units
Stagecoach Asset Management Director Tony Cockcroft called the project a “significant step forward” in the company’s electrification efforts. “VEV’s support has been crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to electric operations. The sophisticated VEV-IQ platform provides us with the insights and control we need to optimise our fleet operations and enable additional revenue generation,” Cockcroft said.
Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus operator, is accelerating its shift to electric vehicles as part of its broader sustainability strategy.