- The Isle of Wight’s bus operator, Southern Vectis, has received delivery of a significant 31 electric bus units, helping to clean up public transport on the island.
- The buses follow investments of £10.7 million from Southern Vectis, £733,000 from the Isle of Wight Council, alongside additional funding through the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme.
- It’s the latest in a long line of UK bus operators making a significant shift towards zero-emission options such as battery-electric buses.
Electric buses arrive in the Isle of Wight
As part of the 31 electric buses arriving on the island, Southern Vectis has also upgraded its Newport depot, ensuring that these new buses have the facilities to stay charged up and in service. The new buses are Wrightbus Gen 2 Electroliners, offering a strong battery range and rapid EV charging capabilities. These new units are set to enter service over the next few weeks.
Southern Vectis is one of a large number of bus fleets across the UK making significant electric expansions. Also recently, that expansion also includes operators such as First Bus, with all operators helping the UK to become the largest zero-emission bus market in Europe by volume.
Southern Vectis Managing Director, Ed Wills, commented:
“Together with Isle of Wight Council, our team has worked incredibly hard to gain government support, under the ZEBRA 2 scheme, for this important initiative – which means we are welcoming the island’s very first electric buses.”
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of Isle of Wight Council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, added:
“The arrival of these first electric buses marks an exciting and important step in our journey to modernise the Island’s transport network.
Our partnership with Southern Vectis and the Department for Transport means Islanders will benefit from cleaner, quieter and more reliable journeys, while helping us reduce emissions and improve air quality. This investment is not just about transport – it supports our wider ambitions for regeneration, sustainability and a thriving future for the Isle of Wight.”
