Picture and Press Release: DPD
First Bus is partnering with DPD to carry out most green journeys in Glasgow in a milestone move which sees the transport operator’s ambitions from COP26 come to life.
First Bus has set out its aim to offer local businesses use of the extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure at its Caledonia Depot. This was set out at the global climate change conference last year.
One year later, DPD has become the first company to officially sign up to the scheme. The agreement means that DPD drivers will now have access to the site to charge their electric vehicles whilst in Glasgow. This will enable them to travel greater distances while making deliveries, with limited environmental impact.
Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director at First Bus, said: “The partnership with DPD reflects the commitment we made during COP26 to help other businesses to achieve their green ambitions. We hope that this marks the first of many valuable partnerships and demonstrates the power that comes from working together to reduce carbon emissions. Electrifying fleets, and having the infrastructure in place to support them, is a mammoth undertaking, and it simply isn’t feasible for each and every business to build its own charging station. Reducing carbon emissions is a priority for us – not just to meet our own targets but because we’re committed to delivering cleaner, greener journeys for Glasgow. We’re already in conversation with other businesses and look forward to announcing further partnerships in the near future.”
First Bus’s Caledonia Depot has 160 state-of-the-art, rapid-charging points, supporting the operators ambition to be emission-free by 2035.
First Bus has also worked previously alongside Hitachi ZeroCarbon to provide the systems that will enable charging commercial vehicles at the site. The company hopes that the Plug and Charge solution will benefit growing businesses in Glasgow by providing the availability of DC ultra-rapid charging for commercial electric vehicles.
Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, said: “We all have to work together to end our contribution to climate change, and by making its charging infrastructure available to DPD, First Bus are leading the way. The Scottish Government provided over £5.9 million to help deliver the infrastructure at the depot, and I am delighted that it is being used to support decarbonisation of last mile delivery as well as public transport. Our £500k Bus Market Transition Scheme, which aims to support businesses prepare for our next round of capital funding, is currently open for applications and I hope that this announcement today by First Bus encourages others to think creatively about how Government funding can be used to maximum effect.”
DPD’s goal is to be the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK and is on track to have over 3,000 EVs on the road this year and 4,000 by 2023 when it will be delivering to 30 towns and cities, including Glasgow, using only EVs.
Olly Craughan, Head of Sustainability, DPD said: “The Caledonia depot is a fantastic facility and this is a really smart initiative between two brands that are investing in a greener future for Scotland. The partnership will be hugely beneficial as it will enable our drivers to access fast, reliable and secure charging stations in Glasgow during the day. Our plan is to be delivering in both Glasgow and Edinburgh city centres using only electric vehicles by the end of next year, and this is another step towards making that a reality.”
First Bus will continue to expand its zero-emission bus fleet and electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Scotland over the next 18 months with plans to electrify Scotstoun and Aberdeen depots.
