More electric buses introduced by Stagecoach East Scotland to serve Fife

Cleaner, greener, quieter … Fife now has five brand new zero-emission electric minibuses serving routes in and around Kirkcaldy.

The new buses are among the first in the world with this technology and were launched in Kirkcaldy last week.

The buses were built by internationally renowned coachbuilders Alexander Dennis in Falkirk, and are part of a £2.1 million investment in Fife. Scottish Government ScotZEB funding provided £680,000. In total, Stagecoach East Scotland has invested over £18 million in electric technology so far.

The new minibuses are the latest to join the electric fleet in the Kingdom, with 41 vehicles – nine per cent of Stagecoach’s bus fleet across East Scotland – no longer using traditional carbon based diesel fuel.

Why go electric?

There’s a drive to reduce carbon emissions around the world, and as a major public transport provider in Fife, Stagecoach East Scotland is investing heavily in the future.

Stagecoach say the smaller buses serve a vital role: “Local communities will benefit from these smaller EV buses which are not only emission free but produce virtually zero engine noise, for a smoother and comfier ride around town.

“The Enviro100EV is an innovative design which has been crafted in collaboration by Stagecoach with Alexander Dennis Limited and fills a crucial niche for shorter wheelbase EV buses on routes that cannot be easily served with larger buses to further enhance connectivity within Kirkcaldy.”

Tech and range

The buses will run all day on a single charge, with no engine noise or emissions. On board, contactless payment is available, and there’s even complimentary USB charging points to top up your phone as you go!

Keeping them running are the six new electric charging points at the Stagecoach depot in Glenrothes. The firm also has electrified depots at Dunfermline and Perth. Local bus engineers have had additional training and will be able to maintain the electric vehicles on site.

Stagecoach East Scotland Managing Director, Douglas Robertson said: “The introduction of these fantastic new electric vehicles, alongside our Dunfermline Electric City Network, demonstrates our commitment to decarbonise our fleet across Fife.

“These new EV buses are an important addition to our Kirkcaldy town service, serving the local community with zero-emission transport. This £2.1million investment comes on top of the £18.4 million already invested in the transition to electric in East Scotland, making bus travel one of the greenest forms of transport available.”

To find out more about the routes served by the new e-fleet, visit the Stagecoach East Scotland website here.