First electric buses enter xervice in Essex as 55-vehicle fleet rolls out
The first fully electric buses have entered service in Essex, England, this week, marking the start of a large-scale transition to zero-emission public transport in the region. Four vehicles are now operating in Basildon, with the rollout set to continue over the coming months until a total of 55 electric buses are in service by […]
The first fully electric buses have entered service in Essex, England, this week, marking the start of a large-scale transition to zero-emission public transport in the region. Four vehicles are now operating in Basildon, with the rollout set to continue over the coming months until a total of 55 electric buses are in service by the end of the year, says a press note by First Bus.
The new fleet, provided by Yutong through UK deal Pelican, will operate on routes serving Basildon and its surrounding areas, including Chelmsford, Lakeside, and Southend, gradually covering most of the local network. The project represents a £30.6 million investment in vehicles and infrastructure, supported by £4.8 million from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 scheme, and £25.8 million from First Bus.
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Alongside the introduction of the new vehicles, Basildon bus depot has been upgraded to become a fully electric operational hub. This infrastructure development is designed to ensure reliable daily operations and enable the long-term transition toward decarbonized bus services.
The fleet is expected to deliver tangible benefits for passengers and residents alike, with zero tailpipe emissions, quieter journeys, and improved air quality. The initiative also aligns with climate strategies set by Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council, while reinforcing First Bus’s wider pledge to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.
The first deployment of the electric buses in Basildon underlines the growing role of local partnerships in delivering sustainable mobility, combining public funding with private investment to accelerate the adoption of clean transport technologies.
Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first of our electric buses on the streets of Basildon. Over the coming months, more vehicles will join the fleet until all 55 are in service, delivering cleaner air, quieter journeys and a more sustainable way to travel. This investment is part of our wider mission to offer zero-emission transport across the East of England and underlines our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Councillor Mark Platt, Essex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “We’re hugely excited to see the first electric buses enter service in Basildon. The new fleet will be a gamer changer for sustainable transport across the borough. This project is an important step to help us deliver a safer, greener, healthier transport network and we thank our partners for their collaboration and hard work to make this happen.”
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, said: “I am delighted to see Government funding go towards the rollout of these new electric buses, which will ensure that passengers in Basildon and the surrounding areas can benefit from greener and quieter journeys. Not only will this lead to smoother journeys and less emissions in Essex, but it will also mean people will have the reliable public transport they need to access jobs to help grow the economy – a key part of our Plan for Change”.
