National Express Coventry has ordered the brand-new British built zero-emission buses to enter into service in early 2023, helping improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions in the city.

Last year Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), secured £50m funding from the Department of Transport to ensure every bus in Coventry is zero-emission.

Now under a deal with TfWM, National Express Coventry is making an additional multi-million-pound investment into the All Electric Bus City project with the purchase of the 130 new buses.

In addition to new vehicles, TfWM is also working with Coventry City Council to create the necessary charging infrastructure to power the new buses. This will include upgrades to bus depots and charging points at Pool Meadow Bus Station.

‘It really is incredibly exciting to think next year we will have 130 all-electric buses on the streets of Coventry thanks to the deal we have signed with National Express,’ said Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA.

‘These clean and green double decker buses will not only be fantastic for passengers with their comfort and state-of-the-art technology, but it will also help in reducing air pollution and tackling the climate emergency.’

David Bradford, managing director of National Express Bus, said: ‘We are really looking forward to launching 130 more of our fully electric buses into service early next year on the way to making Coventry the UK’s first all-electric bus city.

‘Ten of our existing electric double decker buses have already driven over 850,000 miles and saved 1,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide from going out into the atmosphere. Hundreds more of these zero-emission buses are now on their way. It is really great news for Coventry residents and visitors.

‘By working together with TfWM and Coventry City Council we are committed to driving improvements for our customers, as well as contributing to huge health and mobility benefits for people right across Coventry.’

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, at Coventry City Council, added: ‘Since the £50m investment was announced we have been working with TfWM and National Express to begin to develop the infrastructure for up to 300 all-electric buses by 2025.

‘Confirming the order of 130 of these state-of-the art buses – which will be here by early 2023 – is fantastic for local people, for business in the city, and most importantly, for our efforts to lead on the green industrial revolution and cut our carbon footprint.’