Six electric Volvo 7900e single-decks for Stagecoach in Scotland

Stagecoach has taken delivery of six new Volvo 7900e single-deck opportunity-charged buses. The vehicles will primarily be based in the Kilmarnock depot and will be in use on Service One routes serving the Irvine Valley, Hurlford, Darvel, Galston and Newmilns. This is a semi-rural inter-urban route and was the first of this type in the UK to deploy opportunity-charged vehicles.

Managing Director, Stagecoach West Scotland Fiona Doherty says: “The route we were purchasing for demanded an opportunity charge vehicle, as some routes will cover 270 miles in a day. As a result, the 7900e was the best choice for us.

“The Volvo 7900e can cover up to 100 miles between battery replenishment so the passengers and drivers will be more than satisfied on the service.”

Stagecoach has installed a charging infrastructure with a gantry-mounted 300kW pantograph charger in the Kilmarnock bus station.

Daniel Barwick, national account manager, Volvo Buses, adds: “Stagecoach are a long-standing Volvo Bus operator and partner, and this order is a fantastic opportunity for it to showcase the adaptability of these electric vehicles by using them across rural routes. These vehicles will help Stagecoach drive down emissions in their operation and improve air quality in the area.”