Hackney Chronicle: Buses across London are getting EV charging as part of a drive to cut tens of thousands of carbon emissions with plans to run on renewable energy by 2030.
Bus depots across London are getting EV charging as part of a drive to cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions. The upgrades, delivered by independent distribution network operator (IDNO) Aurora Utilities for Stagecoach, are part of a major electrification programme supporting Transport for London’s goal for all London facilities and public transport to run on renewable energy by 2030. A total of 18 depots, including Ash Grove, Barking, Bow, Bromley, and Leyton, now have upgraded grid connections to support the rollout of hundreds of zero-emission buses across the capital. Aurora’s network upgrades will support around 1,330 new electric buses—more than 16 per cent of Stagecoach’s entire UK fleet. The programme is expected to cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Aurora is also adopting and operating new high-capacity grid connections to enable large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging. Read more Huge discount chain plans new store in Crayford Award‑winning Chislehurst pub to celebrate fifth birthday Simon Reilly, chief executive of Aurora, said: "Stagecoach is moving at pace to decarbonise its fleet, and we’re proud to be energising the infrastructure that makes that possible. Each new connection brings hundreds of zero-emission buses closer to reality on UK roads. "Our team’s experience and strong relationships with network operators mean we can deliver faster, smarter grid solutions that turn net zero ambitions into operational progress." Tony Cockcroft, asset management and infrastructure director at Stagecoach, said: "Electrifying our nationwide depots is critical to delivering a modern, sustainable public transport network. Aurora’s expertise as an IDNO has allowed us to accelerate new connections, and get more electric buses on the road sooner, lowering our emissions and benefiting the communities we serve through more reliable services." Stagecoach is also investing in battery storage and on-site solar generation to reduce grid reliance and boost energy resilience. Aurora, licensed by Ofgem in 2024 and backed by a $200 million investment from I Squared, supports decarbonisation efforts by transport operators, developers, and public sector clients through rapid and flexible grid connections. In addition to London, the electrification programme includes depots in Aldershot, Arbroath, Barnstaple, Cheltenham, Dover, Dundee, Exeter, Gloucester, Kilmarnock, St Andrews, and Torquay.