Stagecoach to launch fully electric bus fleet in North East
The UK’s leading bus operator will introduce 67 single-deck and one double-decker zero-emission buses at its Stockton-on-Tees depot in the coming weeks.
This will make the depot the company’s first in the UK to have an entirely electric fleet.
The new buses, which are quieter and cleaner than their predecessors, will serve all routes in the Tees Valley area, including Darlington, Stockton, and Middlesbrough.
They will be equipped with charging points at every seat, air conditioning, and next-stop announcements.
Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North EastΒ Β (Image: Stagecoach) Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North East, said: “Weβre incredibly proud to announce plans for our first fully electric fleet and depot here in Stockton-on-Tees.
“This is a landmark moment not just for Stagecoach North East, but for the wider Tees Valley region.”
The project is supported by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.
He said: “This new electric depot in Stockton isnβt just a first for Stagecoach β itβs a big step forward for Teesside and another clear sign weβre leading the way in building the cleaner, better-connected region our people deserve.”
Stagecoach Group chief executive Claire Miles also attended the launch.
She said: “This marks an exciting and important step on our journey to deliver a smarter, and more sustainable transport network.”
The buses have been built by Chinese firm Yutong, a world leader in electric bus technology.
Ian Downie, head of Yutong UK, said: “We are very proud to work with Stagecoach and the wider community.
“This is about more than just the vehicles – it is about sustainability, about community and the partnership within this region.”
The launch event at Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough, was attended by stakeholders from across the region.
They heard from Tom Bryant, interim chief executive of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, on the regional impact of zero-emission buses.
Stagecoach aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 and has plans to install electric vehicle infrastructure at 42 more depots by the end of the year.
Electric vehicles currently make up more than 10 per cent of the company’s 8,400-strong fleet.