The Scottish government has launched the second phase of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) Challenge Fund as part of plans to deliver low emission zones in the nation.
Some £58 million in new grant funding will be made available to an increased pool of applicants, including financiers, manufacturers, community transport organisations and infrastructure providers, with the aim to encourage greater collaboration and accelerate the adoption of zero emission buses.
The first phase of ScotZEB was introduced in 2021 to support the roll-out of zero emission buses, infrastructure such as depot charging and refuelling, and to speed up the delivery of Low Emission Zones – bringing with it benefits such as job opportunities and improved air quality.
With ScotZEB 2, grants will range from £60,000 for a zero emission bus or coach with at least nine passenger seats and one wheelchair-accessible space, up to £135,000 for those with 60 or more passenger seats.
For electric charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, the grant will be no more than 70% of the total cost.
The scheme was launched at the Alexander Dennis (AD) headquarters in Larbert on 15 May, with funding expected to be distributed until the financial year ending in 2026.
Paul Davies, AD President & Managing Director, said: “We are committed to supporting the just transition of decarbonising transport and funding from ScotZEB will be a welcome support for the jobs the industry offers in our communities if it benefits us and other Scottish suppliers.
Scottish Minister for Transport, Kevin Stewart, said: “The second phase of the ScotZEB Challenge Fund honours this government’s pledge to drive forward a fully decarbonised future for Scotland’s buses, supporting operators of all sizes – including community transport, school bus and coach operators.
“We all have a part to play in tackling the global climate emergency. The bus is currently one of the most climate friendly transport choices the public can make, and I want to keep it that way for communities across all of Scotland.”
