Portsmouth, Gosport & Fareham, UK – Electric buses, manufactured by leading zero-emission transport pioneer Wrightbus, have already made a significant impact in Hampshire, UK. Since their launch in March of this year, these vehicles have successfully completed nearly four million journeys, covering over 1.3 million miles.
The 62 single-deck GB Kite Electroliners, built at Wrightbus’s Ballymena headquarters, replaced almost half (43%) of First Solent’s diesel fleet. This transition has dramatically reduced emissions, saving approximately 2,427 tonnes of CO2e (Well-to-Wheel) emissions.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Environmental Benefits
Beyond their environmental advantages, these new electric buses offer a superior passenger experience. They provide a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable ride, equipped with modern features like USB charging points and enhanced accessibility.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, highlighted the positive feedback from customers: “It’s great to hear that feedback from customers in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham has been positive. Passengers who use these buses not only get a smoother ride, but they also know that every journey they make is helping to reduce emissions for a greener future.”
A Collaborative Green Initiative
This £28.6 million project, a first for the region, was a collaborative effort between Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, First Bus, and funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
A key part of the project involved the electrification of the Hoeford depot in Fareham. This extensive work, carried out from October 2023 to May 2024 without disrupting bus services, established a robust electric infrastructure with 66 charge heads capable of fully charging a bus in just 2.5 hours. The buses themselves boast a range of up to 200 miles on a full charge.
An official launch event was held at the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport, attended by local council representatives, to celebrate the success of the Hoeford project and the introduction of the new EV buses. Attendees experienced the rapid-charging infrastructure and enjoyed a ride on the new electric buses, witnessing the transformation in service and sustainability firsthand.
Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South, expressed delight at the positive customer reaction, emphasizing the comfortable and modern passenger experience. Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, praised the project as a “clear example of how working together across sectors and local authorities helps us deliver our vision of a people-centred, connected travel network.”
