National Express is partnering with Stansted Airport to trial an electric bus for holidaymakers and passengers using its airside gate-to-plane operations.
The Cobus 2700 bus can run for up to eight hours a day carrying a maximum of 88 standing passengers.
The zero emission vehicle is being introduced for a four-week period to test how it works operationally and to get feedback from both drivers and passengers.
The trial will also gather data to understand how the vehicles work in a real environment and help determine how electric vehicles can be used at the airport in the future.
National Express is aiming for its entire UK fleet of vehicles to be net-zero by 2035, ahead of the UK target of 2050. This commitment will also contribute to Stansted Airport’s 2038 net-zero goals.
Kevin Frazer, South East Operations Director for National Express, said: ‘’The switch from diesel to electric vehicles is an adjustment that requires changes in charging infrastructure, maintenance and driving practice.
“In preparation for the trial, we’ve introduced some new processes and 10 drivers have undergone additional training to familiarise themselves with the vehicles.”
Steve Mills, Surface Manager at London Stansted Airport, said: “London Stansted is delighted to partner with National Express as we continue to explore innovative and energy efficient ways to drive down carbon emissions to underpin our focus on the sustainable and responsible growth at the airport.
“We are proud that operations under our direct control are already carbon neutral, but we are committed to achieving net zero by 2038 so await the results of this trial with great interest.”
