Abellio Wins at the Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards

November 24 2023

On 21 November, Abellio London Bus, part of the UK Transport Group, was honoured and delighted to win the ‘Fleet Electrification Strategy of the Year Award, over 100 vehicles’ at the 2023 Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards - the EVIEs.

The EVIEs set the industry standard for EV and highlight innovation and excellence within the EV sector. Abellio was shortlisted alongside Westminster City Council and Dundee City Council.

This award acknowledged the dedicated and skilful teams at Abellio, who grew the EV fleet to over 100 vehicles between 2022 and 2023 and delivered massive infrastructure projects. By July 2023, Abellio had achieved a significant EV fleet growth, with over 157 vehicles and 15% of the fleet being fully EV. 

The key focus of the award entry was the project to mobilise 30 Wrightbus Electroliners on Route 111 alongside the energisation of Abellio’s Twickenham depot, which was completed with the support of partners UK Power Networks and Enel X. Whilst partners Siemens, Sinewave and Zenobe have also supported EV infrastructure growth at Abellio’s Walworth, Southall and Battersea depots. 

This investment in fleet and infrastructure highlights Abellio’s clear vision to improve transport in London and a dedication to making London a better place by providing cleaner and safer zero-emission journeys. 

Fleet and infrastructure growth at this pace depends on solid partnerships. Abellio has worked closely with partners such as UK Power Networks, TfL,  Enel- X, local communities, and consumer groups to deliver complex projects at pace.

Abellio will continue its sector-leading strategy and plans to operate 30% of its fleet fully EV in 2024. This sustained EV growth and investment in infrastructure means that Abellio will be the first operator to energise all of its London depots. A recent investment with Wrightbus will see a further 80 EV buses serving customers in London.

Jon Eardley, Managing Director of Abellio London - part of the Transport UK Group, said:

“Here at Abellio London and across the entire Transport UK Group, we’re dedicated to shaping the future of public transport, and winning this award is a testament to that. It is the culmination of five years of hard work from our highly skilled team and technical partners in the relentless pursuit of excellence in energising our sites and decarbonising our fleet.

We’re building a brighter, better future and doing our part to make Transport for London a strong, green heartbeat for London.”