First zero-emissions electric buses arrive in Kent
County Council receives first of a fleet of 28 clean-energy buses to replace existing diesel-powered vehicles on its Fastrack network
The future has arrived in Kent, with the delivery of the first of the new 28 ie21 tram-like battery-electric buses from Spanish manufacturer Irizar. These stylish, clean-energy buses will be deployed on the Fastrack network in Kent Thameside, with the Dartford and Gravesham route now on course to go fully electric by April 2025.
Photo courtesy of Kent County Council
When that goal is reached, the new fleet will save a total of some 1,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year – improving local air quality and making a significant contribution to the council’s efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Later this month, fleet electrification and EV charging management specialists VEV will start work on installing 450kW inverted pantograph-based opportunity chargers at two locations: Gravesend bus station and Acacia Hall in Dartford. VEV will also manage and maintain charging infrastructure after installation. Top-up charging using these facilities is expected to take less than six minutes.
As well as the fleet of 28 electric buses on this route, an additional five electric buses will be deployed on the upcoming Dover Fastrack network. Facilities for opportunity charging will also be provided.
Kent County Council recently announced that it had signed a 15-year contract with Go-Ahead London to operate Fastrack in Dartford and Gravesham, providing reliable, green transport, reducing congestion and helping to connect communities.
Neil Baker, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Kent County Council, says: ‘I am delighted that we have received our very first electric bus for Kent. This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models. The investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.’
Shane Hymers, Development Manager at KCC Fastrack, adds: ‘The design of these vehicles was completely led by our customers and driving staff. We listened carefully to what would improve their Fastrack experience which led to some very bespoke design elements. The buses include wireless charging docks for smart phones, ambient lighting and even railway style tables complete with coffee cup holders. We’ve also added an additional wheelchair bay to make sure the buses are fully accessible for all residents.’
Isobel Hedley Jones, Fastrack Project Manager, says: ‘Go-Ahead is delighted to be delivering this pioneering zero-emission fleet in partnership with KCC and the manufacturer, Irizar. This collaboration will result in the first zero-emission buses ever to operate in Kent. The ie tram-like bus fleet are part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable, and punctual services.’
In related news:
Glasgow City Council looks to artificial intelligence for traffic management
Winchester City Council’s all-electric fleet of housing vehicles
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