VEV completes first of four UK electric bus depots for Stagecoach

VEV, a Vitol subsidiary, has just announced that work is complete on Stagecoach's electric bus hub in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. 57 electric buses are now set for deployment in Spring 2025, replacing over two-thirds of Stagecoach's existing diesel fleet in the area.

A photograph of VEV and Stagecoach's new electric bus hub in Chesterfield, UK — Image: VEV

The hub – which forms an expansion of the existing Chesterfield bus depot – features 27 dual DC 120kW chargers from Eko Energetyka, with a total of 54 charging sockets and a 2.5MVA power upgrade. VEV says that it is also currently installing rooftop solar panels to the site, which it estimates will generate approximately 200MWh of power annually.

The Chesterfield hub is the first of four electrification projects between VEV and Stagecoach, with three other electric bus hubs set to open in nearby Nuneaton, Rugby, and Chesterfield. VEV says it is providing Stagecoach – the UK’s largest bus operator – with ‘comprehensive’ support for its electrification strategy, ranging from fleet analysis to charger installation, staff training, and operational assistance.

VEV CEO Mike Nakrani argued his company’s partnership therefore goes beyond charging infrastructure. He said: “This isn’t just about installing chargers – it’s about providing a complete solution that encompasses fleet analysis, infrastructure, power optimisation, staff training, and ongoing operational support to ensure a successful transition of the bus network to electric vehicles.”

Nakrani also claimed that Stagecoach now has the means to ‘optimize their power consumption, reduce costs’ – thanks to the company’s smart charging and energy management application, VEV-IQ. The platform combines dynamic load management and power purchasing tools with bus telematics and fleet performance insights, enabling Stagecoach operators to monitor their fleet in detail and at scale.

Calling the project a ‘significant step forward’ for Stagecoach’s transition to EVs, Stagecoach’s Asset Management Director Tony Cockcroft said: “VEV’s support has been crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to electric operations. The sophisticated VEV-IQ platform provides us with the insights and control we need to optimize our fleet operations, make informed decisions about our business & enable additional revenue generation.”

vev.com