12 new Wrightbus electric buses through Asset Alliance Group. ASSET ALLIANCE GROUP
The finance specialist has supplied an additional 12 electric buses to the TfL operator to further grow its fleet of zero-emission buses
Transport UK London Bus has boosted its passenger fleet with the arrival of 12 new GB Kite Electroliner BEVs built by Wrightbus and financed through Asset Alliance Group. The 10.9-metre single-deck buses have been supplied on seven-year operating leases and are fitted with 454kWh batteries and can cover up to 200 miles on a single charge, with capacity for up to 60 passengers in Transport for London (TfL) spec.
Commercial Director at Transport UK London Bus Alastair Willis said: “We started our decarbonisation journey in 2020. All six of our London depots are now electrified with DC chargers, and approaching a third of our 900-strong bus fleet is electric. These latest additions, replacing diesel models, retain that momentum and allow us to continue to play our part in helping the Mayor of London deliver his clean-air pledge. This will see only zero-emission buses operating in the capital from 2030.”
Newly in service on TfL’s route R70, the Electroliners run from Hampton to Twickenham and Richmond in south-west London and are fitted with wood-effect panelling and flooring, high-back seats with extra padding and USB charging points. There are also uprated high-resolution information displays on board, whilst drivers have a fully heated and cooled seat to ensure their comfort.
“The advantage of the operating leases is that they align with TfL’s seven-year contract length. This was our first direct deal with Asset Alliance Group, and they impressed us, with Martyn Bellis and Anthony Jones listening and understanding our specific needs, proposing a flexible, competitive option at an attractive rate that doesn’t tie us in long-term,” said Alastair.
Martyn Bellis, who is Asset Alliance Group’s Commercial Director for Coach & Bus added: “We were pleased to be able to assist Transport UK London Bus with its ongoing transformation. This latest deal underlines the key role Asset Alliance Group is playing in facilitating the uptake of electric buses in the capital on behalf of the major bus operators and TfL.”
