carlA groundbreaking initiative is set to introduce England and Wales’s first electric coach service through a three-month trial spearheaded by travel tech firm FlixBus.
Commencing in June 2024, commuters can explore routes connecting London, Bristol, and Newport in South Wales. Ticket prices will begin at £2.99 for the 46-seat coach, equipped with USB charging points, complimentary wifi, and restroom facilities.
This zero-emission vehicle is anticipated to curtail 352kg of carbon emissions per day compared to its diesel-fueled counterparts, translating to a reduction exceeding 21 tonnes of CO2. If the pilot program ran daily for a year, it could eliminate up to 17,950 car journeys from English and Welsh roads. The trial will integrate seamlessly into FlixBus’s extended UK coach network, operated in collaboration with Newport Transport, based in Munich.
Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK, expressed optimism, stating, “This is a significant leap forward for the UK coach sector, transforming the already low-carbon mode of transport to zero-emission at the tailpipe through innovative technology.” Schorling emphasized the commitment to providing sustainable travel options and contributing to climate impact reduction.
David Jenkins, Interim Managing Director of Newport Transport, highlighted their role in promoting electric vehicles in local bus services and saw this venture into the intercity coach market as a pivotal progression. The electric vehicle, boasting a 282kWh battery rating, will be charged at a Transport UK (formerly Abellio) bus depot in Battersea, London, and Newport Transport’s headquarters in South Wales.
Parent company Flix, with a presence in 43 countries across four continents, has previously piloted electric vehicles in various markets, including the US and mainland Europe.
