Press Releases

Solent from First Bus has introduced four newly converted electric buses into service in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport

The ‘repowered’ diesel vehicles have been fully refurbished to a near-new standard and converted to electric power, delivering more environmentally friendly travel for passengers.

The news comes one year after the electrification of First Bus’s Hoeford depot in Fareham, and the successful introduction of 62 new electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council*.

The repowered buses will run on routes across Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, including the University routes in Portsmouth.

The transformation of these buses represents a significant step in reducing carbon emissions. By repurposing existing diesel vehicles, First Bus is extending their lifespan while avoiding the environmental impact associated with disposing of old ones.

The innovative conversion process, undertaken by UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus, takes out the diesel engine and fully replaces it to make it electric, in a fraction of the time and the cost of manufacturing an electric bus.

This process significantly reduces carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change and making it a highly sustainable solution for fleet renewal.

The newly converted electric buses bring all the benefits of new electric vehicles, including zero tailpipe emissions. They will contribute to improved air quality, reducing harmful pollutants that can negatively impact respiratory health.

Gary Weaver, First Bus South’s Engineering Director, said: “We are proud to introduce these four converted electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport. This initiative not only provides a second life for existing vehicles but also delivers a low-carbon, sustainable transport option that benefits both passengers and the wider community.

“At First Bus, we are committed to leading the way in the transition to greener public transport, and this project is another example of how we are making that happen.”

Cllr Peter Candlish, Portsmouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport said:  "The success of electric buses in Portsmouth has already shown how quieter, cleaner, and greener travel benefits our city. Cost-effectively re-powering these buses from diesel to electric is a smart way to bring forward another step in our commitment to deliver affordable, sustainable, and zero-emission transport for everyone."

The introduction of these vehicles is part of First Bus’s wider strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. Across the business, it is initially introducing 32 repowers across four regions of the UK.

• Life-size character surprises children at York primary school
• Children’s storybook published by First Bus in North and West Yorkshire
• Tinyfoot and Evie’s Adventure to Tiny Street features Evie the electric bus and her friend Tinyfoot.
• Tale to help schools and parents teach youngsters about carbon footprint and greener choices
• All funds raised to support Macmillan

• Life-size character surprises children at Leeds primary school
• Children’s storybook published by First Bus in North and West Yorkshire
• Tinyfoot and Evie’s Adventure to Tiny Street features Evie the electric bus and her friend Tinyfoot.
• Tale to help schools and parents teach youngsters about carbon footprint and greener choices
• All funds raised to support Macmillan

• Emissions reduced by 90% compared to activities in 2020
• Official launch of £23m depot electrification with investment by First Bus and co-funding from Department for Transport Zebra scheme secured by City of York Council
• Depot one of the first outside London to be fully electric
• Total fleet saving around 5,000 tonnes of CO2e a year

• Depot is first in Yorkshire to only use electric charging for its bus fleet
• Total carbon saving of electric fleet close to 5,000 tonnes a year
• Latest stage in £23m transformation of the depot

• First Bus’ Hoeford depot in Fareham provided electric charging for Renault Trucks’ electric HGV
• Renault Trucks’ eHGV ‘The Good Truck’ Roadshow is travelling across Europe to show the range of electric road freight vehicles and availability of charging infrastructure

• Investment and co-funding from Department for Transport Zebra scheme
• Extra 22 electric buses brings zero emission fleet to 79 – half Bramley total
• Delivery of more buses expected in July 2024

• The first bus depot in the UK to offer electric charging to the public is now open
• Purpose built hub in Cornwall offers fast charging for a family car in 30 minutes
• £1m investment from First Bus to provide the local area with charging infrastructure

• Electrification of Bramley depot completed as electric buses join city network
• £29m project combines investment by First Bus and co-funding from Department for Transport Zebra scheme secured by Combined Authority
• 57 zero emission buses with more expected in summer 2024

• 10 vehicles introduced on 66 and 67 services alongside campus shuttles
• £3m investment by First Bus

• Power chargers and infrastructure to be complete by March 2024