First Aberdeen bus fleet now 40% emission free

First Aberdeen’s bus fleet is now 40% emission free following a delivery this week of 24 brand new electric buses.

The 24 electric vehicles, which will be seen out on service around the city from today (Wednesday 12 July), are set to save nearly 1,500 tonnes of CO2e per year as they replace older diesel buses. 

To accommodate these new zero-emission arrivals to the fleet, work has been underway over the past three months at Aberdeen’s King Street depot to install 16 dual headed rapid DC charging points.

The new vehicles, which have been manufactured by Yutong, are fitted with market-leading lithium iron phosphate batteries boasting a range of over 370km on a single, three-hour charge.

As well as providing an environmentally friendly way to travel round the city, passengers in Aberdeen will also benefit from greater levels of comfort with these new buses, with lower noise levels and full air conditioning fitted throughout.

The new vehicles were launched into service by Aberdeen City Council Co-Leaders Cllr Christian Allard and Cllr Ian Yuill alongside First Bus Scotland Managing Director Duncan Cameron.

Duncan Cameron, Managing Director at First Bus Scotland, said: “The arrival of these buses marks the latest in our series of steps to decarbonise our operations as we aim to be emission free by 2035.

“We are incredibly proud to bring more sustainable travel to Aberdeen joining the hydrogen buses already in operation, and I’m sure it will encourage even more people to leave cars behind in favour of environmentally conscious bus travel that will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our city.

“We’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers as we continue our investment into greener travel.”

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It’s great to see the introduction of the 24 new electric vehicles to First’s fleet. These new electric buses will make a positive contribution as Aberdeen moves towards its net zero targets.

“First’s investment in non-polluting electric buses not only reduce the emissions on our roads. It will hopefully encourage more people onto the bus and out of their cars as they move around Aberdeen.”

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard added: “Increasing the number of zero-carbon vehicles in our transport network improves air quality and leads to health benefits and a more pleasant place to live for us all.

“The new buses add to the 15 hydrogen vehicles already in use, showcasing the capabilities of different types of low-carbon vehicles for use in public transport on our streets.”

The delivery has been supported by Transport Scotland through its Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) funding, a challenge fund to support the industry’s swift transition to zero emission vehicles and infrastructure.

Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to supply First Bus with these state of the art zero emission vehicles. The customers will benefit not only by improved air quality, but also full electric air conditioning and a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. The vehicles have been developed in collaboration with the First Bus team and feature enhanced specifications for the passengers.”

More electric vehicles will also be joining First Bus’s operations further afield, with First Glasgow’s Scotstoun depot currently receiving delivery of 50 new electric vehicles, adding to the 150 already in operation from its Caledonia depot.

ENDS