The operator is preparing for its first batch of electric buses arriving in 2026
Surrey independent operator Falcon Buses is working with e-fleet solutions provider VEV to facilitate the electrification of its bus fleet. The end-to-end electrification project at Falcon’s West Byfleet depot has been designed to enable the cost-effective adoption and operation of the operator’s new electric bus fleet, the first stage of which will see the delivery of 13 new Enviro200EV electric buses from Alexander Dennis in 2026.
Following an initial assessment, VEV has facilitated a grid upgrade, and will design, procure and build the charging infrastructure, including its VEV-IQ fleet data management platform to optimise energy usage.
Falcon currently operates a fleet of 50 Euro VI buses. It expects to reduce its carbon-emissions output by 10,454 tonnes across the lifetime of the 13 buses.
Surrey County Council is supporting the project as part of its Surrey Climate Change Strategy, as part of which it has committed £32 million to accelerate the introduction of zero-emission buses in the county.
CEO of VEV Mike Nakrani said: “We’re looking forward to enabling Falcon’s vision for a clean, electric bus fleet to become a reality. Bus electrification represents a huge opportunity in the race to achieve net zero for the UK, local authorities, and our local communities. Bus operators therefore have a significant role to play in switching to electric fleets, and we help them navigate the challenges they can face in making that happen.”
Managing Director of Falcon Coaches Richard Telling added: “As a leading independent bus operator, we have a duty to provide our customers and local residents with an efficient, environmentally friendly service that’s fit for purpose today and in the future. We’re delighted to have the expertise of VEV to help us meet the challenges of switching our fleet to electric, and together we’re working to ensure our West Byfleet depot is futureproofed for up to 35 electric buses – both in terms of power-capacity and space on-site. We’re hugely excited to see the project unfold ahead of the service commencing in 2026.”
