Charged up: First Bus opens electric charging to the public

The UK’s first bus depot to offer consumer electric vehicle (EV) charging is now open to the public, at First Bus’ new purpose-built hub at Summercourt depot in Cornwall.

The Summercourt charging hub is the first-of-its-kind for the bus industry, providing direct access for the public to rapid electric charging infrastructure for electric cars and vans. 

The site is easily accessible in a key location along the A30 corridor, a key tourist route into Cornwall, helping ease electric vehicle drivers’ EV range anxiety as they travel through the county.

The new site can also play a key role in supporting the local region’s transition to electric vehicles to help cut emissions and provide cleaner air for the local communities.

The ‘turn up and charge’ hub offers:

• Eight rapid chargers
• Payment via contactless credit card, with no app or signup required, at 69p/kWh
• Rapid charging rates of up to 150kW (average family car can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes)
• Open 06.00-22.00, 7 days a week
• Restrooms and waiting area available on site

The 12-month project saw a £1m investment from First Bus to provide the local area with key electric charging infrastructure, creating a charging site for the community to use for years to come.

The chargers at Summercourt are also available for local businesses to use, following the successful model by First Bus in Glasgow and Leicester, where companies such as Open Reach, DPD and Police Scotland benefit from the use of the operator’s infrastructure to support their own transition to EV fleets.

Simon Goff, First Bus South’s Managing Director, said: “Opening the Summercourt hub is a hugely exciting step forward in our decarbonisation journey. For local people, visitors and business, the new hub ensures EV drivers can charge their vehicles on a reliable connection at a fair price.

“We’re the first bus operator to offer consumer charging and I’m proud that we’re able to support the local community with this vital infrastructure that will make a difference for many years to come.”

Malcolm Bell, Executive Chairman, Visit Cornwall, added: “Visit Cornwall really welcomes this investment as we know that many people with EV are desperate to see an improvement in the charging infrastructure in Cornwall. Its proximity close to the A30 is excellent for not only local people but visitors making longer journeys.”

EV drivers can find further information on charging at Summercourt here:

• https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/newquay/B1EJO2F/
• https://www.plugshare.com/location/537850

-ENDS-

Notes to editors 

Key info:

• Dedicated power supply supporting fast charging rates of up to 150kW, charging an average family car to 80% in around 30 minutes
• 8 rapid CCS charging outlets
• Open from 06.00-22.00, 7 days a week
• Contactless credit card payment at 69p/kWh
• 24/7 telephone support
• On the A30 corridor - key tourist route into Cornwall
• Toilets and waiting area available
• Suitable for cars and vans (unsuitable for trucks, trailers or caravans)