The new partnership will enable the broadband service provider to charge its growing fleet of electric vans using First’s charging infrastructure
First Bus says it is thrilled to announce what it calls a significant collaboration with the broadband network provider Openreach, a subsidiary of BT Group, granting the company access to its rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at bus depots nationwide. In what First describes as a ‘groundbreaking deal,’ Openreach joins the likes of DPD and Police Scotland in plugging into First’s shared infrastructure initiative.
The initial phase of the partnership will see up to 30 Openreach electric vehicles charging at First Bus depots in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Leicester during the day while buses are in service, which Openreach says will enable its engineers to cover more ground, reduce their environmental impact, and dedicate more time to the needs of their customers. It currently has more than 3,000 electric vehicles in its fleet, but it is aiming to convert all its diesel vans to zero emissions by 2031.
Decarbonisation Programme Director at First Bus Faizan Ahmad said: “We’re excited about this collaboration, showcasing the power of teamwork to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve. The shift to electric is a journey for businesses nationwide, and we are offering a smart, community-friendly solution that’s simple, effective, and benefits everyone.”
Openreach Scotland Partnership Director Robert Thorburn added: “We are excited to try a new approach with First Bus that can potentially help both our businesses. As two major fleet operators in the UK, it makes sense for us to explore the most efficient ways to power up our electric vans and buses.
“First Bus has made a massive investment in charging infrastructure and using its empty stations to juice up our vans will take pressure off public charge points. Our engineers often live in flats or apartments where charging is not yet an option, so this will make life easier for them too. It is all about learning and trying new, sustainable ways of working. There are many hurdles on the low carbon journey, and businesses need to join forces to overcome them, help drive wider adoption of electric vehicles and talk to government on issues like charging infrastructure availability.”
Andrew Kirkby, Head of Fleet Sustainability at BT Group, added: “We are constantly looking at new options that can help us the transition of one of the largest commercial fleets in the UK to electric vehicles, which will be vital to achieving our goal of being a carbon net-zero business by March 2031. Enabling UK-wide charging infrastructure will be a key part of how we achieve this, and we welcome trials that will help accelerate the removal of diesel vehicles from our fleet.”
