First Bus launches EV charging programme in Glasgow depot
First Bus, one of the UK's largest bus operators, said the initiative supports the UK's transition to cleaner, greener transport by making use of its existing network of depot-based chargers.
Under the new programme, 15 depots across Scotland and England will provide access to EV charging, with the Glasgow Caledonia depot leading the rollout.
Read more: First Bus reveals major update on 'axed' Glasgow service
First Bus opens its charging infrastructure to the public, businesses, and fleets (Image: Supplied) Isabel McAllister, chief sustainability and compliance officer at First Bus UK, said: "At First Bus, we're progressing rapidly towards our goal of a zero-emission fleet by 2035, with an investment of over £320 million to date.
"With First Charge, we're building on our position as an industry leader, sharing our infrastructure to accelerate decarbonisation to help other users move faster too."
The Caledonia depot now operates as a public-facing, ultra-rapid charging hub, offering charging for up to 34 vehicles – including both fleet and consumer EVs – between 9am and 4.30pm.
The service is available at an introductory rate of £0.39 per kWh, marking the first time First Bus has opened its depot charging facilities to the general public.
Located close to Glasgow city centre, the new Caledonia Superhub offers fast, affordable charging for consumers and commercial fleets, with a range of payment options, including contactless and several EV charging apps.
First Bus already shares its depot charging facilities with businesses such as DPD, Centrica, Openreach, and Police Scotland.
By expanding access through First Charge, the company aims to address a critical gap in high-power charging infrastructure, especially for commercial operators in urban areas.
The scheme is expected to be particularly valuable for operators in the growing electric HGV sector.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, welcomed the launch.
Read more: No trains to run on major Glasgow Central railway line this weekend
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop and First Bus Scotland Managing Director Duncan Cameron (Image: Supplied) She said: "I'm pleased that the First Bus Caledonia Depot is opening its doors to people and communities by providing ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging at affordable pricing.
"When the Scottish Government invested over £6.4 million to fund the charging infrastructure at the Caledonia Depot, it was always the intention that First Bus thought innovatively and collaboratively about how it might be used.
"By providing more public EV charging, we're now seeing that ambition realised, improving charging opportunities and promoting range confidence for EV drivers.
"Through the new First Charge brand, First Bus is now leading the way by sharing their charging infrastructure, adding to Scotland's comprehensive public EV charging network and continuing to support the transition to a net-zero transport system."
More information is available on the First Charge website.
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