Stagecoach East’s depot in Cambridge has welcomed around 50 vehicles, including electric HGVs, taking part in the UK’s EV Rally, which aims to demonstrate the reality of driving an electric vehicle (EV).
Cambridge was chosen, both for its fleet of EV buses, but also because it recently hosted the national launch of Stagecoach’s Chargd network, which is helping commercial fleets access reliable, high-power charging infrastructure.
Cambridge, together with two other Stagecoach depots – in Chesterfield and Gilmoss in Liverpool – played host to participants on the rally’s Trucks & Trailers route, providing charging facilities for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) as they travelled more than 800 miles around the UK.
The visits showcased how sharing vehicle chargers in depots can make better use of existing infrastructure, allowing commercial fleets to access high-power charging at secure depot locations during the day, while buses are out in service.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “I am really proud of my team for their efforts in hosting the EV Rally. It was great to have these fantastic vehicles, and their drivers, with us, and to shine a spotlight on the facilities we have on offer.”
Steven Russell, Chargd Project Manager at Stagecoach, added: “The rally provided a fantastic opportunity to see how electric HGVs are being used today and to speak directly with drivers, operators and charging providers.
“What really stood out was the positive reaction to the scale of charging infrastructure already installed across the Stagecoach network. Participants could immediately see the opportunity for fleets to access reliable, high-power charging at locations that are already built, energised and operational.”
Throughout the event, depot teams welcomed participants to charge their vehicles and provided insight into how the Chargd network operates.
With eight Chargd locations now live across the UK and further sites being added regularly, the event reinforced Stagecoach’s belief that shared depot charging can play an important role in supporting the electrification of commercial fleets, particularly as charging infrastructure for larger vehicles continues to develop.
Chargd offers fleets access to:
— High-power charging
— Large vehicle bays suitable for commercial vehicles
— Safe and secure depot locations
— Managed capacity and availability
— Facilities already used by professional transport operators
Stagecoach continues to expand the Chargd network and is actively working with businesses across the UK to provide convenient access to charging infrastructure without the need for significant upfront investment.
For more information on Chargd, visit https://www.stagecoachsolutions.com/ev-fleet-charging.