Openreach, the UK’s largest broadband network provider, will have access to First Bus’ rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at its nationwide bus depots following a new collaboration.

With the new deal, the telecoms firm joins the ranks of Police Scotland and DPD, plugging into the shared infrastructure initiative from Aberdeen-headquartered First Bus, one of the biggest bus operators in the UK.

The initial phase of the partnership will see up to 30 Openreach electric vehicles from its fleet charging at depots in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Leicester while buses are in service. This can help Openreach engineers to cover more ground while reducing environmental impact.

Openreach has more than 3,000 EVs in its fleet, and is also a founding member of EV100, a global initiative bringing together companies dedicated to accelerating the transition to EVs this decade.

First Bus, meanwhile, is continuing to roll out its electric bus fleet across the UK, with over 600 zero emission buses expected on the road by the end of March 2024. The business will have four fully electric bus depots, and a total of 9 sites with electric charging infrastructure and an operational EV bus fleet.

Speaking on the new link-up, 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.

“It is all about learning and trying new, sustainable ways of working. There are many hurdles on the low carbon journey, and businesses need to join forces to overcome them, help drive wider adoption of electric vehicles and talk to government on issues like charging infrastructure availability.”

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Faizan Ahmad, the decarbonisation programme director at First Bus, also commented: “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.”

The operator is interested in hearing from businesses and orgnaisations who would like to benefit from a similar partnership at its electrified bus depots in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Scotstoun, York, Leeds, Bramley, Leicester, Hoeford, Norwich, and Portsmouth.