Southern Vectis Unveils New Electric Bus Fleet

Southern Vectis has unveiled the Isle of Wight's first fleet of electric buses, marking a major step towards greener, cleaner transport across the Island.

The 31 zero-emission buses, built in the UK by Wrightbus, have been funded through a £10.7m investment from Southern Vectis, £733,000 from Isle of Wight Council, and additional support from the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 scheme.

The buses are expected to provide quieter, more reliable journeys while helping reduce the Island’s overall carbon emissions and improve air quality.

The launch event in Newport included a showcase of Southern Vectis’ newly upgraded depot, ready to charge and maintain the fleet.

Guests also had the chance to take demonstration rides on the new buses ahead of them entering service in the coming weeks.

The vehicles feature the latest Gen 2 Electroliner technology, offering efficient battery use, fast charging, and long-range capabilities, supporting both sustainable transport and green jobs in UK manufacturing.

The initiative is part of a wider plan to modernise the Island’s transport network, benefiting residents, visitors, and the local environment.

More information on routes and services is available at islandbuses.info.