In a landmark move towards sustainable public transport, Arriva has completed a £17 million investment to electrify its Norwood depot in South London. This transformative project enables the operation of 30 new zero-emission red double-decker buses on key Transport for London (TfL) routes, marking a significant milestone in Arriva’s commitment to decarbonising passenger transport. The initiative supports the Mayor of London’s ambitious goal for the capital’s entire bus fleet to be zero-emission by 2030, contributing to cleaner air and a greener future for London.
The electrification of the Norwood depot, delivered in partnership with fleet electrification specialist Zenobē, includes the installation of 15 state-of-the-art 150kW smart chargers and significant upgrades to the site’s power infrastructure. These enhancements ensure the depot can efficiently charge the new fleet of electric buses, optimising operations for two key TfL routes, including a new Superloop line connecting London’s suburbs with the city centre. This investment is a critical component of Arriva’s broader £730 million modernisation programme to electrify all 14 of its London depots by 2030.
Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV on London Superloop
Image:Kristian Lake, Alexander Dennis
The 30 new zero-emission buses are Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV models, designed specifically for London’s demanding urban environment. These buses feature advanced telematics and safety technologies, including blind spot monitoring and intelligent speed assistance, enhancing passenger and pedestrian safety. Key specifications include:
- Battery Capacity: Up to 472kWh Impact NMC lithium-ion batteries, with an option for 354kWh.
- Operational Range: Theoretical range of 620km (385 miles) in the UK Bus Cycle at the beginning of life with the 472kWh battery.
- Electric Motor: Voith Electrical Drive System HD, delivering 410kW peak power and 310kW continuous power.
- Charging System: CCS2 DC plug charging at up to 150kW, with optional roof-mounted rails for pantograph charging at up to 200kW.
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 87 passengers with 62 seats (42 upper, 20 lower) in the London specification.
- Accessibility: One two-metre wheelchair space via an electric ramp at the centre door.
- Energy Efficiency: 0.67kWh/km in the UK Bus Cycle, certified by the Zemo Partnership.
- Climate System: Air conditioning with a zero-emission heat pump.
These features make the Enviro400EV a cutting-edge solution for sustainable urban transport, offering high performance, comfort, and environmental benefits.
The transition from diesel to electric buses is expected to yield significant environmental benefits. Electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, eliminating harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter that contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. According to research, electric buses can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 19-34% compared to diesel buses, depending on the electricity grid’s carbon intensity. When powered by 100% renewable energy, reductions can reach up to 96%, with the remaining emissions attributed to upstream renewable energy infrastructure.
In London, where air quality is a critical public health concern, the introduction of these 30 electric buses will contribute to cleaner air and support the city’s efforts to combat climate change. The Union of Concerned Scientists notes that while a typical 40-foot diesel bus emits 2,680 grams of CO2 per mile, electric buses significantly lower this footprint, particularly as the UK’s electricity grid continues to incorporate more renewable sources.
Matt Greener, Director of the Arriva Group’s Zero Emission Institute, commented: “The completion of the Norwood depot electrification demonstrates Arriva’s continued commitment to investing in sustainable, innovative solutions to support our transition to net-zero emissions. Projects like this underpin our group-wide ambition to deliver cleaner passenger transport and we are applying this expertise across European markets. Arriva is proud to be leading from the front and encouraging greater use of sustainable passenger transport.”
Marcos Hart, Managing Director of Arriva UK Bus London, added: “We are delighted to have completed the electrification of our Norwood Depot, underlining our commitment to TfL and the Mayor of London’s goal of a fully electrified bus fleet by 2030. The project has enabled us to be the first operator to bring these state-of-the-art Enviro400EV buses to London, delivering the clean and high-performing networks our customers deserve – helping to encourage even more people to travel sustainably on public transport.”
Arriva’s investment in the Norwood depot is part of a comprehensive £730 million modernisation programme to electrify all 14 of its London depots by 2030. This initiative builds on previous electrification projects at Brixton Tramshed and Enfield, which currently service 54 electric buses, and Thornton Heath, set to operate 109 zero-emission vehicles by spring 2025. Additional depots in Tottenham, Palmers Green, and Croydon are also undergoing electrification, reflecting Arriva’s leadership in sustainable transport.
As one of London’s largest bus operators, managing approximately 17% of the capital’s bus services with a fleet of 1,500 buses, Arriva plays a pivotal role in supporting TfL’s vision for a zero-emission bus fleet. The Norwood project, completed in July 2025, aligns with the Mayor of London’s environmental goals and complements Arriva’s group-wide sustainability strategy, which includes electrification initiatives across 11 European countries.
Arriva’s £17 million investment in the Norwood depot represents a significant advancement in London’s journey towards sustainable public transport. By introducing 30 state-of-the-art Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV buses and upgrading the depot’s infrastructure, Arriva is reducing its carbon footprint and setting a benchmark for other operators. This project not only enhances the passenger experience with modern, efficient, and safe buses but also contributes to improved air quality and public health in London. As Arriva continues its electrification programme, it is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for the capital and beyond.
