Repowered vehicles from Oxfordshire-based NewPower will be running on the streets of Solent for the first time as First Bus introduces four newly converted electric buses into service in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.
The ‘repowered’ diesel vehicles have been fully refurbished to a near-new standard and converted to electric power at NewPower’s hi-tech Bicester factory, delivering more environmentally friendly travel for passengers.
Repowered buses converted from diesel to battery-electric by NewPower are the most efficient on the market with a class-leading range of more than 230 miles, recent data has shown.
Each repowered bus has its diesel engine replaced with a new zero-emission electric powertrain, saving 70,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per bus per year.
The introduction of the Solent buses comes one year after the electrification of First Bus’s Hoeford depot in Fareham, and the successful introduction of 62 new electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council.
The repowered buses will run on routes across Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, including the University routes in Portsmouth.
The transformation of these buses represents a significant step in reducing carbon emissions. By repurposing existing diesel vehicles, First Bus is extending their lifespan while avoiding the environmental impact associated with disposing of old ones.
The innovative conversion process, undertaken by UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus, the parent company of NewPower, takes out the diesel engine and fully replaces it to make it electric, in a fraction of the time and the cost of manufacturing an electric bus.
This process significantly reduces carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change and making it a highly sustainable solution for fleet renewal.
The newly converted electric buses bring all the benefits of new electric vehicles, including zero tailpipe emissions. They will contribute to improved air quality, reducing harmful pollutants that can negatively impact respiratory health.
Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said: “At Wrightbus, we have long enjoyed a positive relationship with First Bus, having supplied them with numerous zero-emission vehicles over recent years. We’re delighted to be helping them to further decarbonise their bus fleet.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to know that these repowered buses will have an immediate impact on reducing pollution in and improving air quality for the people who live, work and travel in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.”
Gary Weaver, First Bus South’s Engineering Director, said: “We are proud to introduce these four converted electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport. This initiative not only provides a second life for existing vehicles but also delivers a low-carbon, sustainable transport option that benefits both passengers and the wider community.
“At First Bus, we are committed to leading the way in the transition to greener public transport, and this project is another example of how we are making that happen.”
NewPower was launched last year by world-leading bus manufacturer Wrightbus. It is the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to offer a repowering service to help speed up the decarbonisation process by eradicating diesel powertrains in older fleets at a substantially lower price than purchasing a new bus.
