Essex Police is using high-power charging infrastructure at First Bus’s Basildon depot to support its growing electric fleet.

The police force has partnered with First Charge, the third-party EV charging initiative launched last year by First Bus, to support its continued rollout of electric vehicles.

Essex Police began transitioning vehicles to electric in 2022, initially using the public charging network. As the electric fleet has expanded, access to reliable, high-capacity charging has become critical to operational delivery.

Charging vehicles at First Bus’s Basildon depot provides secure, high-power infrastructure to support the continued rollout of electric vehicles while reducing reliance on public charging provision. It also means the police force’s cars can charge in as little as 20 minutes.

The partnership supports plans by Essex Police to expand its electric fleet. This year, the number of EVs at the police force will increase to 50, as part of its longer-term ambition to decarbonise a fleet of just under 800 vehicles.

Jason Tyrrell, acting head of Fleet at Essex Police, said: “We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our fleet while continuing to catch criminals and keep people safe across Essex.

“Moving to electric vehicles is a key part of that journey, but access to suitable charging infrastructure is essential. Working with First Bus through First Charge allows us to support the expansion of our electric fleet using existing, high-power infrastructure, while maintaining the operational resilience our service requires.”

Essex Police is the latest fleet to sign up to the First Charge network, which gives fleet operators access to high-powered, secure charging facilities at bus depots across the UK.

By opening its depots to third-party EV users through First Charge, First Bus is helping to address a critical gap in charging infrastructure – particularly for commercial operators who need reliable, high-power charging in urban areas. It’s also set up to help cut costs compared to conventional public charging.

Andy Gwilliam, head of product at First Charge, said: “Using First Charge can be significantly more cost-effective than relying solely on public charging, particularly for fleets that need regular, high-power charging. It also helps free up public charge points for members of the public, reducing pressure on local charging infrastructure while ensuring critical public services have the access they need.

“First Charge is about making better use of existing electric charging infrastructure to support organisations as they transition their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. With a growing network of electric depots across the UK, we’re able to provide access to high-power charging in locations where public provision is limited.”

First Charge now operates across a growing national network of electric bus depots, helping organisations access reliable, high-power charging without the need for immediate, large-scale infrastructure investment.

Andy Gwilliam concluded: “This partnership with Essex Police demonstrates how shared charging infrastructure can support the decarbonisation of essential public services while enabling organisations to transition their fleets at a pace that is both operationally and financially sustainable.

“We look forward to working with more public and private sector organisations to help remove some of the practical barriers to fleet electrification.”