Major electric bus boost announced for Exeter in £29.3m Devon investment

Exeter is set to receive 30 new electric buses as part of a £29.3 million investment across the South West, it has been confirmed.

Bus operator Stagecoach announced that 110 electric vehicles will be introduced across three depots in the region, with allocations of 59 buses for Torbay, 21 for Barnstaple and 30 for Exeter.

The rollout is being delivered in partnership with Devon County Council and Torbay Council as part of a wider decarbonisation initiative aimed at improving air quality and reducing traffic noise.

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In a statement, Stagecoach said: “The new fleet will be allocated across our three depots as follows: Torbay – 59 buses, Barnstable – 21 buses, and Exeter – 30 buses.

“We are rolling out a new fleet of electric buses across the South West, in partnership with local authorities, including Devon County Council and Torbay Council.”

“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and represents a £29.3 million investment in the South West's bus network, whilst also representing a major milestone in Stagecoach’s decarbonisation journey.”

“The rollout is designed to improve air quality, reduce traffic noise, and deliver a smoother, quieter experience for residents across Devon.” 

“The new electric vehicles will replace older diesel buses in the current fleet, supporting our vision of creating the depot of the future while advancing our goal of a fully low-emission network.”

For Exeter, the introduction of 30 electric buses is expected to modernise part of the city’s fleet, replacing older diesel vehicles currently in operation. 

The move aligns with wider efforts locally and nationally to reduce transport emissions and improve urban air quality.

While specific routes and timelines for deployment in Exeter have not yet been detailed, the investment represents one of the most significant upgrades to the city’s bus network in recent years.

The shift to electric vehicles is also intended to create a quieter passenger experience and reduce roadside emissions along some of Exeter’s busiest corridors, including key commuter and school routes.

Further details on when the buses will enter service in Exeter are expected in due course.