Electric bus depots to use smart charging to support the grid

Scottish bus operator First Bus has initiated a pioneering smart charging trial designed to utilise its electric bus depots to support the UK’s electricity grid. The project, launched at the Glasgow depot and soon extending to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, involves adjusting the timing of electric bus recharging to align with grid demand and renewable energy availability. By increasing charging during periods of surplus renewable generation, particularly wind power in Scotland, and reducing it during peak demand times, the trial aims to enhance grid stability and efficiency. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with London-based software company Optimo Energy, which provides the technology to manage this flexible charging approach. This smart charging system helps minimise the curtailment of renewable energy, allowing more green power to be effectively utilised rather than wasted. First Bus’s approach represents a significant step in integrating electric vehicle infrastructure with broader energy system needs, demonstrating how transport electrification can contribute to decarbonising the power sector. Isabel McAllister, First Bus’s chief sustainability officer, highlighted the transformative potential of electric buses beyond public transport, emphasising their role in supporting the UK’s energy system. She noted that the company has already invested heavily in electric capacity across its depots and sees intelligent charging as a way to improve the economics of electrification while aiding grid stability. This reflects a growing trend in the transport sector to leverage vehicle charging as a tool for energy management rather than merely a consumption point. First Bus is committed to operating a fully zero-emission commercial bus fleet by 2035 and currently runs over 1,400 zero-emission vehicles, making it one of the largest electric bus fleets in the UK. The company plans to develop 20 electric depots nationwide, with several expected to be operational by the end of the year. Additionally, First Bus is extending its impact by offering its depot charging infrastructure to third parties through its First Charge service, promoting wider adoption of electric vehicle charging solutions. The trial underscores the potential for electric bus fleets to play a dual role in sustainable transport and energy system optimisation. If successful, this model could be replicated across the UK and beyond, supporting the transition to renewable energy while advancing zero-emission public transport goals. The project exemplifies how collaboration between transport operators and energy technology providers can drive innovation at the intersection of mobility and clean energy.