Exeter set for electric bus revolution as Stagecoach confirms plans

Exeter’s streets are set to get cleaner, quieter, and greener as a fleet of new electric buses prepares to roll into the city, marking a major milestone in Exeter’s journey toward net zero.

The new zero-emission vehicles are part of a £29.3 million investment in Devon’s public transport network, delivered by Stagecoach in partnership with Devon County Council through the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. 

By early 2026, 110 fully electric buses will be operating across Exeter, Torbay, and Barnstaple, with Exeter among the first to benefit. 

The rollout will see the city’s busiest routes, including the flagship Service 4, upgraded with state-of-the-art electric buses offering smoother rides, improved accessibility, and reduced environmental impact.

Stagecoach says the investment represents a key step in its long-term plan to decarbonise public transport across the South West. 

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In a statement, the company said: “Stagecoach is proud to be supporting Exeter’s transition to cleaner, greener transport. Our electric bus programme is part of a £29.3 million investment in Devon, with 110 new zero-emission buses set to operate across Exeter, Torbay, and Barnstaple by early 2026.”

“For passengers in Exeter, this means a quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable travel experience. The programme also contributes to reductions in local emissions and is an important step in our wider decarbonisation journey.”

“Stagecoach is committed to continuing this work, expanding our electric fleet, and supporting Exeter’s sustainability goals as we move toward a fully zero-emission network across the region.”

The move aligns closely with Exeter City Council’s Net Zero 2030 ambitions, which prioritise reducing carbon emissions from transport, one of the city’s largest sources of pollution. 

According to Devon County Council, transport emissions account for around 30 per cent of the county’s total carbon footprint. The shift to electric buses is expected to significantly cut local air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide levels in central Exeter.

Local leaders have welcomed the investment, describing it as a transformative step for Exeter’s public transport system and the wider community. 

In addition to environmental benefits, the new buses promise an upgraded passenger experience, featuring quieter engines, smoother acceleration, modern seating, real-time journey information, and enhanced accessibility for people with mobility needs.

Exeter has long been seen as a testbed for sustainable transport initiatives, from park-and-ride expansions to cycling infrastructure improvements. The introduction of electric buses represents the next major development in that journey. 

Residents are expected to see the first vehicles on the road later this year, with full deployment across key city routes by 2026.