Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, SP Energy Networks and EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobe have worked collaboratively through Scotland’s Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce to produce guidance on how fleet operators can switch to electric by making informed technology choices and working with their network operator.

The Scottish government has set targets to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change by 2045. To achieve this aim, Scottish electricity distribution network operators (DNOs), SSEN and SP Energy Networks, and Zenobe, are working to support operators’ zero carbon ambitions and to build information about fleets to ensure the network is ready.

To support operators in their decarbonisation journey, Zenobe have published a guide to electric vehicle batteries and battery performance. The DNOs’ guide provides an overview of the engagement, design and connections processes for working with local network operators to enable the charging infrastructure required.

Publication of the Connecting your Fleet: A Guide for Fleet Operators and Leading the charge: electric vehicle batteries and battery performance for fleet operators has been welcomed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which is working to ensure that the four billion journeys made each year by bus and coach in the UK are aligned with net zero targets. The Guides were developed with all fleet operators in mind and are not just for bus and coach operators.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: ‘The Scottish government’s Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce is accelerating the transition to net zero by creating new partnerships.

‘I am pleased to see yet another important output from the Taskforce through these new guides for operators wanting to making the switch to electric vehicles.

‘Only through collaboration can we effectively decarbonise fleet with the speed that the climate emergency requires. I welcome the effort made by Scotland’s distribution network operators and Zenobe who are sharing their experience and expertise on vehicle charging to bus and other fleet operators through these new guides.’

Andrew Scott, director of connections at SSEN, commented: ‘We are committed to helping power our communities to net zero and are sharing guidance that will help smooth the customer journey. I would encourage all fleet operators to join our webinar and learn how to we can assist in their transition to net zero.

‘We have announced that we will invest £4bn in our networks up to 2028 to create the modernised local electricity grids of the future. We are delighted to be working alongside Transport Scotland, SPEN, CPT and Zenobe on this project and hope the guide will be a helpful resource for UK fleet managers across the wider transport sector.’