First Bus has opened its new Summercourt depot charging facilities for the use of the general public and local businesses
The UK’s first bus depot to offer consumer electric vehicle (EV) charging is now open to the public at First Bus’ new purpose-built hub at Summercourt depot in Cornwall. The new charging hub is believed to be the first of its kind for the bus industry, providing direct access for the public to rapid electric charging infrastructure for electric cars and vans.
First says the site is easily accessible and in a key location along the A30 corridor, a main tourist route into Cornwall, helping ease electric vehicle drivers’ EV range anxiety as they travel through the county. The operator says its new site can also play a key role in supporting the local region’s transition to electric vehicles to help cut emissions and provide cleaner air for the local communities.
The ‘turn up and charge’ hub offers eight rapid chargers with payment via contactless credit card, with no app or signup required, at 69p/kWh. It provides rapid charging rates of up to 150kW, meaning an average family car can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes). The facility is open from 0600 to 2200hrs seven days a week, and refreshments, restrooms and a waiting area are available on site.
The 12-month construction project saw a £1m investment from First Bus to provide the local area with key electric charging infrastructure, which the company says has created a charging site for the community and local businesses. First has already made its chargers in Glasgow and Leicester available to commercial vehicle operators, such as Open Reach and DPD to support their own transition to EV fleets.
First Bus South’s Managing Director Simon Goff said: “Opening the Summercourt hub is a hugely exciting step forward in our decarbonisation journey. For local people, visitors and business, the new hub ensures EV drivers can charge their vehicles on a reliable connection at a fair price. We’re the first bus operator to offer consumer charging and I’m proud that we’re able to support the local community with this vital infrastructure that will make a difference for many years to come.”
Executive Chairman of Visit Cornwall Malcolm Bell added: “Visit Cornwall really welcomes this investment as we know that many people with EV are desperate to see an improvement in the charging infrastructure in Cornwall. Its proximity close to the A30 is excellent for not only local people but visitors making longer journeys.”
