First Bus has officially launched ‘First Charge’, the new identity for its growing, shared charging initiative that’s now available for private EV drivers too.

The programme, announced earlier this year and including 15 First Bus depots in Scotland and England, is designed to open up the bus operator’s EV infrastructure to support the transition to net zero – for businesses, fleet operators, and now, in Glasgow, for the wider public.

The First Bus Caledonia depot in Glasgow is leading the launch by offering the company’s first in-depot charging to the general public.

Located minutes from Glasgow city centre and supported by onsite staff, the new Caledonia Superhub offers fast, affordable charging for consumers as well as business fleets.

First Bus already shares its depot-based charging facilities with leading businesses across the UK – including DPD, Centrica, Openreach and Police Scotland.

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.

Demand continues to grow for private and pre-arranged access at First Charge locations, particularly among operators in the rapidly expanding eHGV sector and other passenger transport services.

Isabel McAllister, First Bus UK chief sustainability and compliance officer, said: “At First Bus, we’re progressing rapidly towards our goal of a zero-emission fleet by 2035, with an investment of over £320m to date.

“With First Charge, we’re building on our position as an industry leader, sharing our infrastructure to accelerate decarbonisation to help other users move faster too.”