Zenobē supports National Express 170 electric bus roll-out
Fleet electrification and battery storage specialist, Zenobē, has supported National Express West Midland’s recent electric roll-out.
Zenobē supported the operator’s introduction of 170 electric Alexander Dennis Enviro400s, representing a continuation of the operator and the company’s long-standing collaboration.
The new buses come as part of a £95m investment. Zenobē is supporting the transition to electric by providing an end-to-end Electric Transport as a Service (ETaaS) solution to National Express West Midlands, following its delivery at National Express’ flagship All-Electric Bus City project in Coventry. ETaaS includes financing the buses and onboard batteries, ensuring performance while in use and replacing them at the end of their first, usable life.
Zenobē will monitor and optimise the fleet’s energy use by integrating its proprietary software platform, as well as parts and operational support. These services will support the dedicated rapid chargers installed at depots by Zenobē to recharge the buses quickly and efficiently.
Completing the ETaaS offering, the buses are supported by second-life batteries that are repurposed from electric bus batteries that have come to the end of their first, usable life. Installed by Zenobē at the depot, they release energy stored during peak periods, providing the National Express West Midlands bus fleet with much needed power at times of high demand.
“What began over six years ago with just 19 vehicles at Yardley Wood has grown into a nationwide partnership, now supporting over 300 vehicles across the country” – Steven Meersman, Founder Director of Zenobē
Steven Meersman, Founder Director of Zenobē, said: “Today marks another key milestone in National Express’s journey toward a zero-emission future, and Zenobē is proud to be a driving force behind it.
“What began over six years ago with just 19 vehicles at Yardley Wood has grown into a nationwide partnership, now supporting over 300 vehicles across the country. From procuring vehicles and onboard batteries to designing and managing charging infrastructure, we’ve delivered a fully tailored, end-to-end solution at Yardley Wood that supports National Express’s bold ambitions and meets their long-term operational goals.”
In addition to the new vehicles, National Express West Midlands has completed a major infrastructure upgrade of its Yardley Wood depot. Originally built in 1938, the depot has been modernised with the installation of advanced charging infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to future-proof its operations and ensure long-term sustainability in its services. The electricity to power the buses will be 100% renewable and zero carbon.