Stagecoach deploys first 42 electric buses in Hull

The UK operator has introduced 32 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-deckers and 10 Yutong E10 single-deckers in Hull. The operator plans to expand the city's electric bus fleet to 55 vehicles in the coming months.

Stagecoach is carrying out the rollout in partnership with East Yorkshire Buses, Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The joint local project represents a total investment of £28.2 million, combining public funding from the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 scheme with private operator capital. The fleet transition in Hull forms part of Stagecoach’s broader £50.6 million investment strategy to deploy 120 BEVs across its UK network.

The fleet initially operates on routes 3, 5, 12 and 13. The double-deckers deliver a driving range of up to 418 km, while single-deckers achieve up to 482 km, exceeding the average daily operating distance of 217 km in Hull without requiring intermediate recharging. The vehicles are equipped with USB charging ports, audio-visual next-stop announcement systems and digital side mirrors.

Stagecoach expects to bring its total battery-electric fleet in Hull to 55 vehicles by the end of 2026.

Stagecoach has adapted its depot operations at Foster Street to support the new BEVs, installing 56 dedicated charging points. Because battery-electric powertrains feature fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, the operator extended its routine fleet inspection intervals from four to six weeks, compared with every four weeks for its diesel vehicles.

“Our ongoing multi-million-pound investment will continue to decarbonise our fleet while bringing state-of-the-art bus travel to our customers,” said Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands. “As we invest in a new EV fleet to bring more sustainable public transport, we would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and give our new buses a go.”

The rollout forms part of a £28 million investment by Stagecoach, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and the UK Department for Transport. It covers both the vehicles and the supporting infrastructure. Public funding comes through the second round of the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) programme, for which Stagecoach worked with fellow operator East Yorkshire Buses and the two local authorities.