Transport UK London Bus expands partnership with Zenobē: 169 electric buses and charging infrastructure

Zenobē has signed a new agreement with Transport UK London Bus to finance 169 electric buses and deliver charging infrastructure across four London depots, extending its partnership with the operator as part of a fleet electrification programme targeting 2030.

Announced on 3 November during Euro Bus Expo 2026 in Birmingham, the agreement covers vehicle financing, depot infrastructure design and construction, energy procurement support and fleet management software. The programme involves facilities in Twickenham, Battersea, Beddington and Walworth, with infrastructure works scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027.

Transport UK London Bus, formerly operating under the Abellio London brand, has been expanding its electric fleet across six operating depots. In 2024, the operator introduced Wrightbus Electroliners on Route 306 and deployed 29 electric double-deckers on Route 63, supported by Siemens charging infrastructure at Walworth. The company also appointed David Cutts as Managing Director and Paul Hennigan as Fleet and Facilities Director in 2024.

According to Zenobē, the latest agreement forms part of Transport UK London Bus’s programme to fully electrify its fleet by 2030. The operator expects electric vehicles to account for more than half of its fleet during 2027, subject to vehicle deliveries and completion of the required infrastructure.

Zenobē to finance 169 electric buses for Transport UK London Bus

The new agreement includes financing for 169 electric buses, alongside the development of the charging facilities required for their operation. Zenobē will provide a turnkey package combining vehicle financing and infrastructure delivery. Under the arrangement, the company will finance the buses and take responsibility for designing and building the charging infrastructure at the designated depots.

The financing structure allows Transport UK London Bus to introduce the vehicles without covering their full purchase cost upfront, according to Zenobē. The agreement extends the scope of the companies’ existing cooperation, which has supported the introduction of electric buses into Transport UK London Bus operations over the past 12 months.

Four London bus depots to receive charging infrastructure by Q1 2027

Infrastructure development will take place at four Transport UK London Bus operating sites. Zenobē will design and construct new charging facilities at Twickenham, Battersea and Beddington, while the existing charging infrastructure at Walworth will be expanded. The Battersea depot will undergo a complete redevelopment, including the installation of a new freestanding gantry system.

The structure will accommodate charging equipment above ground level, keeping it clear of vehicle movements. According to Zenobē, the arrangement will free up parking space and provide additional room for electric buses to circulate within the depot.

The infrastructure programme will also include the integration of electric fleet management software designed to manage charging operations and electricity expenditure.

Beyond infrastructure construction, Zenobē will provide energy procurement services for the four sites. The company will purchase electricity on behalf of Transport UK London Bus and supply energy market reports and guidance on electricity pricing.

According to the announced timetable, all four depot projects are expected to be completed by Q1 2027, before the arrival of the first batch of buses covered by the new agreement.

Transport UK London Bus targets full fleet electrification by 2030

The agreement is part of Transport UK London Bus’s objective to electrify its entire fleet by 2030.

According to the operator, the existing partnership with Zenobē has supported the introduction of electric buses over the past year, with further vehicles scheduled to join the fleet under the newly announced financing arrangement.

Transport UK London Bus operates six bus bases in London. The company expects more than 50% of its bus fleet to be electric during 2027, provided the planned vehicle deliveries and infrastructure works are completed.

In brief

• How many electric buses will Zenobē finance for Transport UK London Bus?
  The agreement covers financing for 169 electric buses.
• Which depots are included in the infrastructure programme?
  Twickenham, Battersea and Beddington will receive new charging infrastructure, while Walworth’s existing facilities will be expanded.
• When will the depot infrastructure be completed?
  Completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, ahead of the first vehicle deliveries.
• What is Transport UK London Bus’s fleet electrification target?
  The operator aims to fully electrify its fleet by 2030, with more than half expected to be electric during 2027.

Bradley Fox, Director of EV Fleet – UK & Nordics at Zenobē, said: “We’re pleased to extend our partnership with Transport UK on a delivery and financing programme that will put 169 fully electric buses onto routes across London. Our collaboration spans the full lifecycle of the programme, from design and build through to managing their power procurement strategy, ensuring the charging and operation of the vehicles is as efficient and low cost as possible.”

Paul Hennigan, Fleet and Facilities Director – Transport UK London Bus, said: “Zero-emission electric buses contribute to improved air quality and over the past 12 months, our partnership with Zenobē has enabled us to introduce a record number of these vehicles. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Zenobē, which continues to benefit both the communities we serve and our employees.