Go-Ahead Group a leading transport provider of bus services within the UK, is continually looking into ways to reduce its carbon footprint. With the goal to transition its fleet of 5,000 buses to zero-emissions technology by 2035 and plans to electrify the majority of its fleet, Go-Ahead requires a roadmap to enable the roll-out of charging infrastructure at garages across England.

UK Power Networks Services conducted an electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity study and proposed strategies to support Go-Ahead's fleet transition goals. The study aimed to provide visibility on the electrical network capacity, infrastructure requirements and estimated infrastructure costs for 35 garages at locations ranging from Plymouth to Scarborough, as identified by Go-Ahead.

Kieran Coughlan, head of strategic advisory services at UK Power Networks Services said:

UK Power Networks Services also investigated potential solutions including energy storage, flexible and timed connections, developed a prioritisation framework and implementation plan, and identified the resources required for each site to enable the overall EV infrastructure roll-out.

As a next step, UK Power Networks Services will support Go-Ahead with developing concept designs, evaluating alternative connection options, addressing site specific challenges before proceeding to detailed design and build services.

In 2019 the UK became the first major economy to enshrine in law a Net Zero emissions target by 2050. According to the UK government, the transport sector produced 27% of the UK's total emissions in 2019. Of this, the majority (91%) came from road transport vehicles.