First launching consumer electric charging hub

First Bus is investing in a new purpose-built consumer electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at its Summercourt depot in Cornwall.

In what is described by First as a first-of-its-kind move for the bus industry, the new Summercourt hub will see one of the UK’s largest bus operators provide the local community with direct access to rapid electric charging infrastructure for electric cars and vans. The new ‘turn up and charge’ hub will offer eight rapid charging facilities available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The site is easily accessible in a key location on the main A30 tourist route into Cornwall.

The Summercourt charging hub is part of the company’s decarbonisation strategy and aligns with its mission to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

Preparation works are now underway on site. It is anticipated that the hub will be fully operational and open to the public later this summer. The site’s eight rapid chargers are expected to fully charge an average-sized family car in under 30 minutes.

“We want to help the communities we serve with their own transition to zero emissions transport solutions” – First Bus UK, Chief Sustainability Officer, Isabel McAllister

First Bus UK, Chief Sustainability Officer, Isabel McAllister, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way with this industry first for consumer electric charging. We want to help the communities we serve with their own transition to zero emissions transport solutions.

“We believe this is the right thing to do. By future-proofing sites like Summercourt, we are proud to be progressing our net zero journey and investing in a greener future for our local communities.”