First Bus gives consumer access to its EV charging infrastructure

The UK’s first bus depot to offer consumer electric vehicle (EV) charging has opened at First Bus’ Summercourt charging hub in Cornwall.

The hub is said to be the first-of-its-kind for the bus industry, providing direct access for the public to rapid electric charging infrastructure for electric cars and vans.

The site is easily accessible at a key location along the A30 corridor, a key tourist route into Cornwall. The new site, says First Bus, also supports the local region’s transition to electric vehicles.

The chargers at Summercourt are also available for local businesses, following the successful model introduced by First Bus in Glasgow and Leicester, where companies such as Open Reach, DPD and Police Scotland benefit from the use of the bus operator’s EV infrastructure.

The Summercourt ‘turn up and charge’ hub offers the public eight rapid chargers up to 150kW, with contactless payment, seven days a week, as well as a waiting area, refreshments and rest rooms.

The 12-month project saw a £1m investment from First Bus to provide the local area with key electric charging infrastructure.

Simon Goff, First Bus South’s Managing Director, said, “Opening the Summercourt hub is a hugely exciting step forward in our decarbonisation journey. For local people, visitors and business, the new hub ensures EV drivers can charge their vehicles on a reliable connection at a fair price.

“We’re the first bus operator to offer consumer charging and I’m proud that we’re able to support the local community with this vital infrastructure that will make a difference for many years to come.”

Malcolm Bell, Executive Chairman, Visit Cornwall, added, “Visit Cornwall really welcomes this investment as we know that many people with EV are desperate to see an improvement in the charging infrastructure in Cornwall. Its proximity close to the A30 is excellent for not only local people but visitors making longer journeys.”