Southern Vectis Electric Bus Fleet Delivers Major Emissions Cut In First Months Of Service

Southern Vectis says its new fleet of electric buses is already making a significant impact on the Isle of Wight, with early figures showing a substantial reduction in emissions since the vehicles entered service earlier this year.

The operator’s 31 zero-emission buses, built in the UK by Wrightbus, began operating across the Island’s road network on 16th March and have now travelled more than 234,000 miles.

According to Southern Vectis, the new double-deck fleet has delivered an estimated saving of between 260 and 280 tonnes of carbon emissions when compared with modern diesel-powered equivalents.

The figures represent a reported 75 per cent reduction in operational emissions, marking an early milestone in one of the Isle of Wight’s largest public transport sustainability projects.

The introduction of the fleet has been supported by investment from Southern Vectis, Isle of Wight Council and the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme.

As well as environmental benefits, the buses are also intended to improve passenger experience, with quieter journeys and upgraded onboard comfort among the changes highlighted by the operator.

Southern Vectis says the introduction of both the vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure at its Newport depot has progressed more smoothly than anticipated.

The transition to electric transport is also set to continue, with a further batch of buses expected to arrive during winter 2027.

Once delivered, the operator’s electric fleet will grow to 54 vehicles, making up the majority of buses serving the Island’s core routes.

The move forms part of wider ambitions to reduce transport-related emissions and encourage greater use of public transport across the Isle of Wight.