First has boosted its eco credentials even further in Scotland with the delivery of electric buses to Aberdeen
First Aberdeen’s bus fleet is now 40% emission free following the delivery of 24 brand new electric buses. The new buses entered service in the city from Wednesday 12 July, and the operator expects them to save nearly 1,500 tonnes of CO2e per year as they replace older diesel buses on its network.
To accommodate the new zero-emission arrivals, work has been underway over the past three months at Aberdeen’s King Street depot to install 16 dual-headed rapid DC charging points.
The new Yutong E12s, some of which saw a brief spell of use in Glasgow pending the completion of electrification work in Aberdeen, are fitted with lithium iron phosphate batteries offering a claimed range of over 370km on a single three-hour charge.
The new vehicles were launched into service by Aberdeen City Council Co-Leaders Councillor Christian Allard and Councillor Ian Yuill alongside First Bus Scotland Managing Director Duncan Cameron. Duncan commented: “The arrival of these buses marks the latest in our series of steps to decarbonise our operations as we aim to be emission free by 2035.
“We are incredibly proud to bring more sustainable travel to Aberdeen joining the hydrogen buses already in operation, and I’m sure it will encourage even more people to leave cars behind in favour of environmentally conscious bus travel that will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our city. We’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers as we continue our investment into greener travel.”
Councillor Allard added: “Increasing the number of zero-carbon vehicles in our transport network improves air quality and leads to health benefits and a more pleasant place to live for us all. The new buses add to the 15 hydrogen vehicles already in use, showcasing the capabilities of different types of low-carbon vehicles for use in public transport on our streets.”
The delivery has been supported by Transport Scotland through its Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) fund, and the vehicles were supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach. Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK at Pelican, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to supply First Bus with these state of the art zero-emission vehicles. The customers will benefit not only by improved air quality, but also full electric air conditioning and a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. The vehicles have been developed in collaboration with the First Bus team and feature enhanced specifications for the passengers.”
The new buses have arrived as the city’s public transport network approaches the celebrations to mark its 125th birthday, the first motor bus having operated in the city in 1898. An open day will be held at First’s King Street depot on 26 August to mark the occasion.
