Stagecoach & Schneider to power green UK bus journeys

Stagecoach is embarking on a nationwide programme to electrify its bus fleet and deliver greener public transport options. It is partnering with Schneider Electric to provide the critical electrical infrastructure, software, and services to support this move. 

The domestic transport sector emits the largest amount of greenhouse gases in the UK at 29.1% in 2023 according to government figures. Buses have a key role to play in meeting the UK’s 2050 net-zero target and the move to zero emission transport alternatives is critical.

Schneider Electric is delivering its EcoStruxure for eMobility solution to multiple Stagecoach sites across the UK. This includes state-of-the-art ultra-rapid EV charging points, electrical distribution infrastructure, and EcoCare membership. This will ensure the smart, reliable charging of Stagecoach’s electric bus fleet with a modular approach to meet future needs as Stagecoach’s electric fleet grows.

As an EcoCare member, Stagecoach will receive enhanced support allowing it to take a more proactive and optimised approach to maintenance. Thanks to remote monitoring 24/7, data insights to pre-empt alarms and prevent mission-critical issues, and condition-based maintenance, the risk of downtime is reduced and continued reliability of bus services ensured.

Smart EV charging solution 

Schneider Electric is providing Stagecoach with: 

• Medium Voltage/Low Voltage Package Substation – providing electricity from the grid in a single-source outdoor assembly tailored to Stagecoach’s specific needs
• LV Feeder Pillars – an outdoor low voltage switchboard to feed and control electricity supply
• EVlink Pro DC – a flexible next-generation of EV ultra-rapid charging stations that maximise energy efficiency and uptime
• EcoCare Membership – enhanced support through the harnessing of data analytics from connected assets, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance by experts 24/7

"Stagecoach is committed to zero emission transport and we are expanding our fleet of state-of-the art electric buses to meet our goals. As part of this transition, it’s vital we have the infrastructure to ensure smart, reliable charging of our fleet,” said Tony Cockcroft, Asset Management and Infrastructure Director, at Stagecoach. “Schneider Electric is the obvious choice as our partner on this journey. It is a leader in energy transition across the public transport sector offering smart charging solutions which can adapt as we move towards the total electrification of our nationwide fleet.” 

“Our services carry millions of passengers every day and a safe and reliable service is vital,” Cockcroft continued. “Our new approach to support and maintenance means we can take a more proactive, planned approach, working hand-in-hand with Schneider Electric experts. We can quickly identify possible issues before they become major headaches and plan our works with minimal impact on our bus services.”

“Picking up the pace of the electrification of public transport is critical as we head towards our net-zero targets. For many, it can be challenging to match operational needs with sustainability goals,” 

said David Hall, Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Power Systems, UK&I. “We are working with Stagecoach to ensure it has the infrastructure, insights, and support it needs to ensure reliable, greener journeys for its passengers.”