First Solent has introduced four newly converted electric buses into service in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, joining its growing fleet of electric vehicles in the area. The repowered diesel vehicles have been fully refurbished to a near-new standard, and join the fleet a year after the electrification of the company’s Hoeford depot
in Fareham and its introduction of 62 new electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport services, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council.
The conversion process was undertaken by Wrightbus. First Bus South’s Engineering Director Gary Weaver said: “We are proud to introduce these four converted electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport. This initiative not only provides a second life for existing vehicles but also delivers a low-carbon, sustainable transport option that benefits both passengers and the wider community. At First Bus, we are committed to leading the way in the transition to greener public transport, and this project is another example of how we are making that happen.”
Councillor Peter Candlish, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport added: “The success of electric buses in Portsmouth has already shown how quieter, cleaner, and greener travel benefits our city. Cost-effectively re-powering these buses from diesel to electric is a smart way to bring forward another step in our commitment to deliver affordable, sustainable, and zero-emission transport for everyone.”
The introduction of these vehicles is part of First Bus’s wider strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. Across its business, the operator is initially introducing 32 repowered buses across in four regions.
