Bus operator Stagecoach and electric fleet solution company VEV has announced the successful delivery of the companies’ first third-party charge out of the Nuneaton bus depot in Warwickshire.

The depot is expected to trial as shared infrastructure to accelerate EV adoption across HGV, last-mile delivery, refuse collection and blue light services. Its home to 45 high-powered EV chargers and a new solar power system.  

Plans announced by Stagecoach will allow the trial to grant businesses access to its charging infrastructure during off-service hours.

The company said its ambition is to create a secondary income stream while helping to decarbonise the wider transport ecosystem across a variety of use-cases, including HGVs, last-mile delivery, refuse collection and blue light 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're building is truly unique, with wide bays that offer plenty of space for large vehicles, clean infrastructure and no queues."

Simon Cubitt, Commercial Director for Bus and Coach at VEV added: “We couldn’t be prouder to be supporting Stagecoach with their ambitions for B2B charging as a key opportunity to help offset the costs of electrifying their 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.