Transport for Wales (TfW) and Edwards Coaches have taken a step towards building a greener public transport network across Wales by converting two existing diesel buses into fully electric vehicles.
With trials underway, the bus repowering project represents a significant step forward in building a more sustainable, reliable, and efficient public transport network across Wales.
Bus repowering involves removing the diesel engine and fuel system from a bus and replacing them with a modern electric drivetrain and battery system. By choosing to repower rather than replace, TfW is extending the lifespan of buses and reducing waste, making the programme both environmentally and economically responsible.
These trials have initially been conducted without passengers on board, while carefully evaluating performance, reliability, and efficiency. There are plans for the vehicles to enter service for trials to continue with passengers onboard under real world operating conditions.
Connor Young, Project Manager for Bus Decarbonisation at Transport for Wales, said: “It’s been great to see the repowered buses out and about during the trial.
“It has been an incredibly important project to help us reach the 2035 goal set by Welsh Government for the bus fleet to be zero emission.”
Simon Ingham from Edwards Coaches added: “We’re proud to partner with TfW to refurbish and test repowered electric buses – the first of their kind in Wales.
“The results are encouraging, and we’re committed to supporting practical, scalable solutions that cut emissions while maintaining reliable services. It’s been really exciting for the team to be involved as we celebrate 100 years of business.”
