East Yorkshire Buses completes first phase of EV infrastructure ahead of fleet electrification

East Yorkshire Buses, in UK, announces it has completed the first phase of its electric vehicle infrastructure programme, preparing the ground for the arrival of 21 new battery-electric Wrightbus vehicles scheduled to enter service later this year.

The new vehicles will operate on Hull’s urban network, forming part of a regional transition to zero-emission operation supported by the Government’s ZEBRA2 (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) programme. The initiative is jointly managed by Hull City Council, East Yorkshire Buses, Stagecoach East Midlands, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

East Yorkshire Buses ahead with bus electrification

The project is part of a broader initiative led by Hull City Council, some 60 km West of York, to decarbonise local public transport. Funding for the infrastructure has been provided through the council’s capital programme, supporting the deployment of electric buses as part of its wider climate strategy. The installation at East Yorkshire’s Anlaby Road depot is designed not only to serve the operator’s new electric fleet but also to accommodate charging for the council’s own passenger vehicles.

The new charging facilities mark a significant step in modernising Hull’s bus network. At present, no electric or hybrid buses operate on public routes in the city. Once in service, the new fleet will replace existing diesel vehicles and contribute to improving local air quality while lowering overall emissions from public transport operations, the Council states.

Phase one of the depot works has been completed and handed over to East Yorkshire Buses, with phase two already under way. The project involves collaboration with EO Technology as principal contractor and Bethell as sub-contractor. According to the company, the works are progressing in line with the rollout timeline for vehicle delivery.

An initial funding allocation of around £6 million from the Department for Transport enabled the purchase of 40 electric buses and related infrastructure. A subsequent investment of £3.9 million confirmed earlier this year will expand the project’s scope, adding 42 further vehicles. In total, 82 new electric buses will soon be operating across Hull and the East Riding.