Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it hosted the launch of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund phase two (ScotZEB 2).
The Scottish Government launched the second phase of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund at the Alexander Dennis global headquarters and factory in Larbert, where it was announced that ScotZEB 2 will have up to £58 million available in grant funding.
Introduced in 2021, the aim of the ScotZEB challenge fund is to encourage significant change in the bus market in favour of zero-emission technologies, creating sustainable and inclusive growth. By supporting the swift transition to zero emission vehicles and infrastructure, ScotZEB aims to help achieve targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to the delivery of Low Emission Zones, encourage inward investment and growth in the supply chain of zero carbon vehicle and energy solutions in Scotland, with associated employment, economic and social benefits.
This second phase of the challenge fund expands eligibility to include financiers, manufacturers, community groups and others in the industry to work together collaboratively on applications to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission buses.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to host the Scottish Government’s launch of ScotZEB 2 right here in our Larbert facility, which we are currently upgrading to make it a manufacturing centre of excellence for our zero-emission buses. As a proud member of the bus decarbonisation taskforce, we have stepped up to the mark and delivered on the ask to create a small electric bus with our Enviro100EV. We are committed to supporting the just transition of decarbonising transport and funding from ScotZEB will be a welcome support for the jobs the industry offers in our communities if it benefits us and other Scottish suppliers.
“The Enviro100EV is a real all-rounder, offering an unbeatable 354kWh of battery capacity delivering a range of up to 285 miles in a manoeuvrable vehicle that will be just as much at home in housing estates of bigger cities as it will be in the more rural parts of Scotland. Alongside this big small bus available for delivery in 2024 we have our next-generation Enviro400EV double decker, creating the perfect proposition for bus operators of all sizes looking to electrify their fleets.”
Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart said: “The Scottish Government has already invested £113 million towards 548 zero-emission buses and supporting infrastructure, and I’m really pleased to now be making a further £58 million available.
“Launching the second phase of the ScotZEB Challenge Fund honours this Government’s pledge to drive forward a fully decarbonised future for Scotland’s buses; supporting operators of all sizes, including community transport, school bus and coach operators to transform their vehicles to zero-emissions and install infrastructure which can be shared with other fleets to help them make the switch too.
“We all have a part to play in tackling the global climate emergency. Bus is currently one of the most climate friendly transport choices the public can make, and I want to keep it that way for communities across all of Scotland.
“I will continue to challenge the bus and finance sectors to deliver excellence for Scotland and by launching ScotZEB 2, I hope to see truly transformational, collaborative change in the bus market towards a zero-emission future.”