Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and two Tesla batteries are being installed in Leeds to support bus electrification.
The technology is currently being installed by Zenobe Energy to allow nine Yutong E10 electric buses to charge. The buses – which are being prepared to enter service to form the first ever zero emission bus fleet for Leeds – as a result of a multi-million pound investment by First Bus in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council.
Charging infrastructure for the fleet is nearing completion at the Hunslet Park depot in Leeds, with the equipment and installation being managed by Zenobe.
A battery energy storage system comprising two Tesla batteries – each with a capacity of 390kW/498kWh – will support the power requirements, which includes fleet charging and grid services.
A total of £7.3 million was invested in the fleet and infrastructure, with £1.7 million coming from the Department for Transport’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
The funding for the infrastructure and battery service costs for the life of the vehicles – which have an eight-year warranty – are being matched as part of Zenobe’s infrastructure-as-a-service model, first announced in May 2019.
Business development director at Zenobe, Arron Dowie, said: ““Zenobe is proud to be partnering with First West Yorkshire to support their active transition to a zero emission bus fleet. The electrification of buses is a vital part of producing cleaner air in Leeds.
“We are encouraged by First’s pioneering vision to implement environmentally friendly transport infrastructure across the UK and Zenobe is excited to be a part of their journey.”
