Openreach Boosts UK EV Van Charging with First Bus Deal

Network access provider Openreach, which is currently in the process of upgrading all of their c. 29,000 fleet of UK diesel vans and cars to electric (EV) by March 2031 (3,000 have already been done), has given their plans another boost by reaching a deal that will allow their fibre broadband engineers to use First Bus’ existing chargers.

First Bus is one of the UK’s largest bus operators, operating buses as far north as Aberdeen in Scotland to as far south as Cornwall in South West England. But much like Openreach, they’re also busy rolling out an electric bus fleet across the UK (due to complete by 2035), with over 600 zero emission buses expected to be deployed by the end of March 2024. The company operates a total of 4,500 buses.

The new deal will grant Openreach’s engineers’ access to First Bus’ rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at bus depots nationwide. DPD and Police Scotland have also previously agreed similar access to the shared infrastructure.

Faizan Ahmad, Decarbonisation Programme Director at First Bus, said:

“We’re excited about this collaboration, showcasing the power of teamwork to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve. The shift to electric is a journey for businesses nationwide, and we are offering a smart, community-friendly solution that’s simple, effective, and benefits everyone.”

Robert Thorburn, Openreach Scotland’s Partnership Director, said:

“We are excited to try a new approach with First Bus that can potentially help both our businesses. As two major fleet operators in the UK, it makes sense for us to explore the most efficient ways to power up our electric vans and buses.

First Bus has made a massive investment in charging infrastructure and using their empty stations to juice up our vans will take pressure off public charge points. Our engineers often live in flats or apartments where charging is not yet an option, so this will make life easier for them too.”

The initial phase of the partnership will see up to 30 Openreach Electric Vehicles from its fleet charging at First Bus depots in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Leicester while buses are in service.