Stagecoach Chesterfield depot completes electrification with VEV

Stagecoach announces it has electrified its Chesterfield Depot in partnership with VEV, marking the first of four planned depot transitions to support zero-emission bus operations.

The site will host 57 electric buses, set to begin service in Spring 2025, replacing over two-thirds of the local diesel fleet serving Chesterfield and North Eastern Derbyshire.

VEV electrified Stagecoach Chesterfield depot

The project, backed by the ZEBRA 2 scheme, Derbyshire County Council, and Stagecoach, is part of a wider effort to introduce 150 electric buses across Chesterfield, Leamington, Nuneaton, and Rugby. The depot now features 27 dual 120kW DC chargers from EkoEnergetyka, providing 54 charging sockets, alongside a 2.5MVA power upgrade.

A 234kWp rooftop solar installation is currently underway, projected to generate 200MWh annually at half the cost of grid electricity while reducing carbon emissions by 48 tonnes per year.

To optimize energy use, VEV-IQ, a smart charging and energy management platform, has been integrated, VEV states. It enables dynamic load management, cost-efficient power purchasing, and real-time monitoring of battery levels, vehicle locations, and range, ensuring smooth fleet operations.

Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV said: “The completion of the Chesterfield depot is the first deliverable in our relationship with Stagecoach to support both their strategic and operational goals on fleet electrification. This isn’t just about installing chargers – it’s about providing a complete solution that encompasses fleet analysis, infrastructure, power optimisation, staff training, and ongoing operational support to ensure a successful transition of the bus network to electric vehicles. Our VEV-IQ platform is the glue that holds this solution together, enabling Stagecoach to optimise their power consumption, reduce costs. There are very few solutions on the market that can deliver this level of sophisticated power management and operational insight.”

Tony Cockcroft, Asset Management Director of Stagecoach said: “Our Chesterfield EV depot marks a significant step forward in our electrification journey. VEV’s support has been crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to electric operations. The sophisticated VEV-IQ platform provides us with the insights and control we need to optimise our fleet operations, make informed decisions about our business & enable additional revenue generation. We look forward to replicating this success with VEV at our other Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby sites.”