WORK has started on a major zero-emission electric vehicles push at depots owned by McGill’s Buses.
New infrastructure is being installed by Zenobe to fully electrify McGill’s depots in Johnstone, Inchinnan and at Xplore Dundee.
The project will be completed ahead of the delivery of 68 electric vehicles to McGill’s following a £32.5million investment partly funded by the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra Low Emissions Bus Scheme.
The buses will be delivered in the autumn and will see the McGill’s Group operate the largest electric fleet in Scotland as COP26 gets under way in Glasgow.
Managing the power will be Zenobē’s market leading software which allows McGill’s staff take a complete view of all depot’s charging from a single location.
McGill’s took the decision to electrify three depots to widen the benefit of zero emission buses to more customers and communities.
Installation of charging infrastructure got underway at an event held at the Inchinnan depot, attended by McGill’s owners Sandy & James Easdale, McGill’s CEO Ralph Roberts, Zenobē director Arron Dowie and Head of Technical Sales Mark Oxtoby. Also in attendance were Richard Crump and Ian Downie from Pelican Yutong who will provide the majority of electric buses in the McGill’s fleet.
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James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Group, said: “We firmly believe the new electric fleet will entice more people to leave their car keys at home and switch to the bus. Electric buses bring a new level of passenger experience, including air conditioning and USB charging, coupled with a whisper quiet journey. It’s an exciting time for McGill’s as we continue to invest and grow the business even further.”
Sandy Easdale, co-owner of McGill’s Group, added: "We led the way in introducing clean diesel Euro VI fleet and by the end of 2021, the McGill’s Group will operate more electric buses than any other company in Scotland. We are fully committed to playing our part in creating a clean and sustainable public transport system and we’re delighted to work with suppliers such as Zenobe, and the Scottish Government, to make this happen.”
Work on McGill’s decarbonisation of its fleet was also welcomed by the Scottish Government.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “I warmly welcome the work to install charging infrastructure across McGill’s depots. It’s fantastic to know that electric buses will be running in Glasgow ahead of COP26.
“Choosing bus has always been a positive choice for our environment and a bus with no emissions at the tailpipe is even better. That’s why we’re supporting bus operators, including McGill’s, through our Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme to help operators take climate action and realise their ambitions for a zero-emission bus fleet.
“By continuing to work in partnership through our Bus Decarbonisation Task Force, we can get electrically-powered buses into our communities faster – improving air quality, making electric transport available to all and supporting Scotland’s world leading target of net zero by 2045.”
Ralph Roberts, Chief Executive of McGill’s Group, said: “The introduction of electric vehicles will lead to a huge reduction in CO2 emissions from our operations and McGill’s is excited to be leading the way with the largest electric fleet in Scotland operational by COP26 in November. Transforming our depots to get ready for these new buses is a hugely important part of the jigsaw and we’re delighted to start that process with Zenobē Energy today.”
Steven Meersman, a co-founder of Zenobē, said: “We are thrilled to be working with McGill’s, a home-grown company just like Zenobē, embracing the EV bus transition with an ambitious strategy to develop three key depots. This exciting project will help to boost accessibility to sustainable travel in Scotland and support the country’s drive towards net zero.
“The three depots are a shining example of what’s possible when private organisations and government work together towards a common goal and this will lead to tangible benefits for both passengers and the environment.”
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