First Solent’s electric buses have powered nearly 4 million journeys, covering over 1.3million miles*, since rolling out across Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham.

Since their launch in March this year, the 62 zero emission buses – which replaced nearly half (43%) of First Solent’s diesel fleet – have reduced emissions dramatically, saving the equivalent of approximately 2,427 tonnes of WTW (Well to Wheel)** CO2e emissions.

Launched in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, the state-of-the-art electric buses are a first for the region. The £28.6m project was funded from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme and investment from First Bus.

The project also included the electrification of Hoeford depot in Fareham, creating electric infrastructure to support the electric vehicle (EV) charging. Works at Hoeford took place from October 2023 to May 2024, with construction and infrastructure taking place while the bus depot was fully operational, without any disruption to bus services.

To mark the success of the Hoeford project, and the rollout of EV buses into service, an official launch was held at the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport. Representatives from Portsmouth City Council, including Councillor Peter Candlish, as well as Hampshire County Councillors Lulu Bowerman and Zoe Huggins attended to see the environmentally friendly public transport in action.

Attendees were taken to Hoeford depot to see the rapid-charging infrastructure, and for a ride on the EV buses, on the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Eclipse route to see first-hand the transformation in service and sustainability.

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South, which operates First Solent buses, said: “By replacing diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles, we’re playing our part in improving air quality for the communities we serve. Since launching the buses in March, we have been delighted at customer reaction to our smart new EV buses, which is shown by the numbers of people using them. They provide a comfortable and modern passenger experience, offering a quieter, smoother ride, and advanced audio-visual announcements. Our drivers love driving them, and the electrification of our Hoeford depot has transformed things for all our people.”

Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “This is the first time our region has introduced this level of clean, sustainable transport, and it’s success is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of all those involved. This project is a clear example of how working together across sectors and local authorities helps us deliver our vision of a people-centred, connected travel network—one that prioritises public transport. We are creating a transport service that puts people first and helps deliver a safer, healthier, and more accessible city for all.”

Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Waste, Councillor Lulu Bowerman, commented: “The benefits of investment such as this alongside the investment made through Hampshire’s Bus Service Improvement Plan extend well beyond improving bus travel for passengers. Namely, the boost it has on the local economy by creating new jobs for more bus drivers, depot engineering staff and support staff. And, in developing the future workforce, equipping engineers with the skills to maintain electric vehicles.”

Councillor Zoe Huggins, Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 (Climate Change, Culture and Partnerships) at Hampshire County Council, added: “The great news about this project is that virtually 100% of bus services in Fareham, Gosport and parts of Portsmouth are provided by zero-emission buses.

“The area in which the electric buses operate has two Clean Air Zones, so the arrival of the fleet is great news for the environment and public health – helping to improve air quality, cut pollution and reduce carbon emissions. The project which was built on strong partnership work has also delivered green skills supporting the upskilling of a workforce and local jobs, this is an amazing achievement.”

Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said: “For the First Solent buses to have made almost four million journeys in their first months of operation is truly remarkable. We know that every zero-emission Wrightbus that leaves the factory and enters service makes a positive impact on lowering emissions and improving air quality in communities across the UK and beyond. It’s great to hear that feedback from customers in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham has been positive. Passengers who use these buses not only get a smoother ride, but they also know that every journey they make is helping to reduce emissions for a greener future.”

*From launch, to the week to Nov 8 2024, routes which operate Solent EV services carried 3,937,130 passengers. Total EV mileage from launch to Nov 15 2024 was 1,322,210 miles.

Key stats

• £28.6m project was made up of £15.9m First Bus investment and £12.7 m DfT ZEBRA funding
• The Hoeford depot in Fareham has 66 electric charge heads (33 base units with a 2 charge points on each) that take just 2.5 hours to power a bus
• The 62 buses are British made Wrightbus single-deck GB Kite Electroliners
• The buses can travel up to 200 miles on a full charge.

PIC-FIRST SOLENT