Nearly Quarter Of A Million Miles Covered By Electric Buses

Southern Vectis says its new fleet of electric buses has already travelled more than 234,000 miles since entering service earlier this year, cutting operational emissions by around 75 per cent compared to modern diesel vehicles.

The 31 electric double-decker buses, built by Wrightbus in the UK, began operating on the Isle of Wight on 16 March as part of a major investment involving Southern Vectis, the Isle of Wight Council and the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme.

Richard Tyldsley, General Manager at Southern Vectis, said the new vehicles were already making a noticeable difference for passengers.

He said: “Journeys on these buses are quieter and more comfortable – but that’s only part of the story.”

Mr Tyldsley added that the fleet had delivered an estimated saving of between 260 and 280 tonnes of CO emissions compared to equivalent Euro 6 diesel buses, while services and charging infrastructure had so far performed better than expected.

Further electric buses are expected to arrive in winter 2027, taking the Island’s electric fleet to 54 vehicles by 2028.

Mr Tyldsley said: “I’d urge people living on and visiting the Isle of Wight to travel with us on these impressive new vehicles – as this will have a major impact on the Isle of Wight’s overall carbon emissions.”