Watts Way Travel to use First Charge network to expand electric coach operations

The operator runs a growing fleet of 50, 57 and 72-seat electric coaches and will now have access to First Charge’s network of electrified bus depots to support en-route charging and longer-distance operations.

First Charge has opened 14 electrified depots to third-party commercial vehicles so far, creating a shared charging network designed to support both First Bus’s own zero-emission fleet and the wider commercial vehicle sector as transport decarbonisation accelerates.

The network includes charging locations in Aberdeen, Basildon, Bristol, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Norwich, Portsmouth, Taunton and York, helping provide operators with access to rapid charging infrastructure across major regional and intercity routes.

The partnership reflects growing demand from commercial fleet operators for practical, reliable shared charging infrastructure as the transition to zero-emission transport gathers pace.

Andy Gwilliam, Head of Product & Standards at First Charge, said:

"We're seeing increasing interest from commercial vehicle operators looking for practical, reliable charging infrastructure to support electrification.

"Operators like Watts Way Travel are helping demonstrate what's possible with electric coaches today, and shared charging infrastructure will play an important role in giving more operators the confidence to make the transition.

"Our depots are already supporting a growing number of third-party commercial fleets, and it's exciting to see pioneering coach operators making use of the network and helping drive the adoption of zero-emission transport across the industry."

Mark Watts, Owner of Watts Way Travel, said:

“We’ve always tried to push the boundaries of what electric coaches can achieve and show that they are already capable of delivering the vast majority of coach operations today.

“Part of that innovation is being willing to test new operating models, new routes and new charging approaches. Access to reliable charging infrastructure is critical for giving operators the confidence to electrify, particularly on longer-distance journeys.

“Having access to the First Charge network will help us continue expanding what’s possible for electric coach travel across the UK.”

For more information on First Charge, or to enquire about third party charging, visit the First Charge website.