The government has announced financial awards from its latest phase of the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme.
This, combined with additional investment from Southern Vectis and the council, means a total of £12.7m will be used to revolutionise three of the bus operator’s routes.
'This is very exciting news, and it will put the Isle of Wight right at the forefront of sustainable transport,' said Southern Vectis managing director, Andrew Wickham.
'We are bringing 22 new, all electric, double decker buses into our fleet - and these are set to arrive in early 2026.'
Stewart Chandler, the council's transport strategy manager, added: 'I am delighted that electric buses will be landing on our Island soon. The arrival of zero-emission buses is a big step in cutting air pollution from transport as we work hard to address the climate crisis.
'The support that Southern Vectis has shown for this project demonstrates the excellent working relationship we have with the bus operator and how working together can help achieve the very best for the Island.'
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