• Torbay becomes only the second location in the UK to operate an all-electric fleet
• Launch marks the start of a phased transition to a fully electric fleet, delivering significant environmental and passenger benefits
• You can watch a video of the electric bus launch event here.

Stagecoach South West and Torbay Council has reached a major milestone launching a new fleet of fully electric buses, with the first vehicles officially entering service in Torbay, marking the first time in two decades that brand-new buses have been introduced across the area.

The launch represents a significant step forward for both Stagecoach and Torbay, as only the second place in the UK to operate an all-electric bus network.

The introduction marks the beginning of a phased transition to a fully electric fleet in Torbay with a total of 60 vehicles in operation, cementing Torbay’s long-term commitment to cleaner, greener public transport.

The project has been delivered through a partnership between Stagecoach and Torbay Council, who worked together to secure funding through the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas 2 (ZEBRA) scheme.

In total, Stagecoach has committed £29.3 million to the fleet and depot infrastructure, representing 75% of the total investment, with £26.1 million invested in the electric buses and £3.2 million allocated to depot charging infrastructure. The remaining 25% of funding has been supported by the Department for Transport. Working with Torbay Council, the partners secured £7.1 million from the ZEBRA scheme in March 2024, alongside a further £361,000 secured by the council.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “This is a hugely important milestone for both Stagecoach and Torbay. It’s the first time in many years that the area has seen significant investment in brand-new buses, and it marks the start of a transformational for us as we look to roll out our electric vehicles across Exeter and North Devon later this year.

Our close partnership working with Torbay Council and support from the Department for Transport, has enabled us to deliver a fleet that will reduce emissions, improve air quality and provide customers with quieter, smoother and more accessible journeys. This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to Torbay and to delivering a more sustainable future for local transport in the South West.”

Customers will benefit from an enhanced travel experience, with the new state-of-the-art buses delivering quieter, smoother and more comfortable journeys, meeting Enhanced Accessibility Standards, featuring dedicated wheelchair spaces, hearing loops and passenger information screens.

Three electric vehicle types will operate in Torbay: the AD Enviro 100 EV, Yutong E10, and Enviro 400 EV, and combined will operate over 40,000 fully electric journeys and over 46,000 emission free miles per week.

Stagecoach South West anticipates that for each new electric bus introduced to the fleet it has the capacity to remove approximately 20 to 40 cars from the road. This reduction is equivalent to saving around 40 tonnes of CO2 per year per bus. When multiplied across the entire fleet being introduced in Torbay, this could result in a reduction of up to 33,000 tonnes of CO2 over the estimated 15-year life of these vehicles.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking said: “This new fleet of electric buses is fantastic news for the Bay.  It is a substantial investment, made possible because of the bus partnership work here in Torbay, and is the largest single transport investment here in the Bay since the South Devon Highway. 

“The new fleet delivers a step change in quality and comfort of the bus journey, not only for our residents, but down to Kingswear and out to Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish as well.  It comes alongside investments in bus shelters, and new bus stops signage that will come in shortly.  This is a key milestone and an early delivery success for our Local Transport Plan, the Bus Service Improvement Plan, and the Climate Change Action Plan here in Torbay.”

Simon Cubitt, Commercial Director, Bus & Coach at VEV, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Stagecoach on their journey to an all-electric fleet and to be playing our part in delivering a better public transport service for people in the South West.”

Stagecoach South West anticipates that for each new electric bus introduced to the fleet it has the capacity to remove approximately 20 to 40 cars from the road. This reduction is equivalent to saving around 40 tonnes of CO2 per year per bus. When multiplied across the entire fleet being introduced in Torbay, this could result in a reduction of up to 33,000 tonnes of CO2 over the estimated 15-year life of these vehicles.