£1 million Sutton power upgrade for forthcoming electric bus fleet
UK Power Networks has implemented new electricity infrastructure work in Sutton to charge 84 new electric buses for Go-Ahead London’s Sutton Bus Garage.
An extra 3.8mW of electricity has been made available, enabling electric buses to charge and this includes a new high voltage underground cable along a 1.5km route.
Eighty-four new electric buses are expected to start operating out of the Bushey Road garage by the end of 2023 on routes in south west London.
Adam Lakey, UK Power Networks, says: “Our programme of investment in Green Recovery network upgrades will enable more low carbon technologies to connect to our networks, while improving air quality and supporting green recovery.
“We are delighted to be working with local authorities, community groups and commercial fleet operators to make it as easy as possible for more electric vehicles, electric heating and community energy schemes to connect to the network.”
Louise Cheeseman, director of bus at TfL, adds: “These works at the Sutton Bus Garage are helping drive forward our zero-emission bus agenda, giving bus operators the capacity to charge the significant number of vehicles now operating in London.
“London has one of the largest and greenest fleets in the world, but we won’t stop until every single one of the capital’s buses is zero-emission. With their smooth, quiet journeys and innovative features, zero-emission buses don’t just help reduce the effects of climate change and improve air quality – they help to make our city better for everyone and offer a great alternative to the car when getting around town.”
John Trayner, Go-Ahead London managing director, says: “As the capital’s most experienced ZE provider, with a fleet of around 400 electric vehicles, we are delivering improved air quality by decarbonising the iconic red bus fleet and I am pleased to add that Sutton will imminently be joined by other Go-Ahead London locations making the change to alternative clean technologies.”