Centrica has secured access to First Bus’ rapid EV charging infrastructure at bus depots nationwide, supporting its EV fleet rollout.

Centrica will initially charge a selection of its EV fleet at First Bus’ Leicester depot while buses are out on the road in service

The major new partnership between the two firms will initially enable Centrica to charge a selection of its EV fleet at First Bus’ Leicester depot while buses are out on the road in service. The partnership could expand further depots across the bus operator’s UK infrastructure in the future.

The collaboration enables Centrica engineers to cover more ground while out and about, reduce their environmental impact, and dedicate more time to the needs of their customers.

Centrica currently has more than 3,000 electric vehicles in its fleet but is aiming to convert all its diesel vehicles to zero-emissions by 2030.

Rob Simister, director of fleet operations at Centrica, commented: “As we continue to electrify our fleet, we’re always looking for innovative ways to address some of the operational challenges that comes with such a large transition. This partnership with First Bus will mean we’re more effective at getting to our customers, while speeding up the rollout of our electric vehicles. That’s good news for the country, our colleagues, and our customers.”

Centrica is the latest fleet to sign up to First Bus’ shared infrastructure initiative, joining the ranks of Openreach, DPD and Police Scotland.

First Bus, which is at the forefront of decarbonisation space, is using its EV infrastructure to help support local communities and businesses to reach their environmental aspirations. This commitment also aligns with the commitment to achieve a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.

The partnership officially launched at First Bus’ Leicester depot with a visit from Department for Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, who joined representatives from First Bus and Centrica to highlight the critical role the electric vehicle infrastructure will play in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport.

Faizan Ahmad, decarbonisation programme director at First Bus, said: “The shift to electric is a journey for businesses nationwide, and we are offering a smart, community-friendly solution that’s simple, effective and benefits everyone.”

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has been spotlighting how shared EV charging could help accelerate fleet electrification for months.

Research undertaken by the AFP last October revealed almost six out of 10 van fleets (58%) would consider sharing their depot or public charging infrastructure with others to make electrification more practical.

Since then, the AFP has launched its shared charging committee with members including the AA, National Grid and Royal Mail, and is imminently launching an online platform that allows fleets to share their electric vehicle charging facilities.

This will initially offer an online matchmaking service that will link fleets that have spare charging capacity at their premises with others who need charging in those areas, which can then make their own commercial arrangements, although we are here to offer advice if needed.

The next step will be to commission an online platform that will enable a more structured approach.