The Electric Bus

Things to know about our electric buses

“This ground-breaking plan and significant investment will radically improve air quality in Oxford.”

Luke Marion, Managing Director, Oxford Bus Company

At Oxford Bus Company, we’re committed to not just move people from point A to point B but do so in a way that’s kind to our environment and contributes positively to the local communities we serve.

And this is how we are helping to transform Oxford – one electric bus at a time.

Learn more about our electric buses

Why go electric?

In January 2024, Oxford Bus together with Stagecoach and Oxford City Council unveiled an ambitious initiative to launch one of the biggest electric bus fleets outside of London. The £82.5 million project marks a significant step forward in providing a more sustainable, environmentally friendly public transport system. It signified the beginning of a journey towards achieving a zero-emission fleet, underlining our commitment to creating quieter neighbourhoods and improving customer experience.

The transition to the electric bus will be transformative. Electric buses offer a smoother, quieter ride, free from the vibrations, noise and emissions associated with traditional buses. They also help to shape our city's environmental footprint, cut down on pollution, create quieter neighbourhoods, and provide a more comfortable ride.

Our efforts are focused on helping Oxford to become a quieter, cleaner place, one electric bus at a time.  Discover how we are going about this below.

Electric Bus Infographic

How many electric buses are on the road?

As of August 2024, we have successfully reached our target of deploying 104 electric buses, marking a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts. These new electric buses, which include eight open-top vehicles, 91 double-deck buses, and five single-deck buses, have replaced some of our older diesel models. They are now fully operational across our City bus, City Sightseeing Oxford, and BROOKESbus services.

What features do our buses have?

Our electric buses have a range of passenger-friendly features to make bus travel more appealing.

  • Quieter, smoother ride
  • High back seats
  • Large buggy bay
  • Two wheelchair spaces
  • Next stop audio announcements
  • WiFi and USB-C charging points

What are the environmental benefits of electric buses compared to traditional buses? 

Each bus offers significant environmental benefits, primarily through zero tailpipe emissions. This means they do not emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are common in diesel buses. By reducing these emissions, electric buses contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. 

How do we charge our buses?

We have an electricity substation, and 104 high voltage charging points at our Cowley depot to support the rapid charging of the electric buses. Every night our buses are charged at our depot ready for the next day. They take 3.5 hours to fully charge which is enough to keep them running for 200 miles.

Who makes our buses?

All our buses are made by Wrightbus, and built in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

Learn more and get involved

Download your Bus Driver meeting background

Show your support for the Electric Bus project by downloading this meeting background.

Read our latest news

Stay up to date on the latest developments about our electric fleet rollout.