Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has taken a significant step forward in its electrification strategy with the successful delivery of its first third-party EV charge at the Nuneaton depot in Warwickshire. The milestone was achieved in partnership with leading e-fleet solutions provider
VEV, whose smart charging and digital energy management platform was put to the test with an electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV).
The Nuneaton depot, which now hosts 45 high-powered EV chargers and a newly installed solar power system, is part of Stagecoach’s broader ambition to open its charging infrastructure to other businesses during off-service hours. The initiative aims to generate a secondary income stream while supporting the decarbonisation of the wider transport ecosystem, including sectors such as logistics, waste management, and emergency services.
Marvin Smith, head of solutions sales at Stagecoach, said: “This is a huge step forward for the team as we continue to test and refine our offer before rollout more broadly. What we are building is truly unique, with wide bays that offer plenty of space for large vehicles, clean infrastructure and no queues.”
The trial marks a key moment in Stagecoach’s regional electrification programme, which includes the deployment of 150 new electric buses across depots in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Chesterfield. Solar power systems have also been installed at Chesterfield, Leamington and Nuneaton, with projected lifetime savings of more than £1 million through reduced reliance on the national grid.
Simon Cubitt, commercial director for Bus and Coach at VEV, said: “We could not be prouder to be supporting Stagecoach with its ambitions for B2B charging as a key opportunity to help offset the costs of electrifying its fleet, while helping other operators to start their own EV journey. Stagecoach has truly been leading the way to create an infrastructure network that serves the entire transport industry and the surrounding communities.”
The successful trial sets the stage for a more collaborative approach to EV infrastructure, with Stagecoach and VEV positioning themselves at the forefront of sustainable transport innovation.