Transitioning to Zero Emission Buses with the ZEBRA scheme

We are working closely with the Department for Transport to support the delivery of their Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, providing funding to Local Authorities and Transport Bodies to kick-start their zero emission bus transition.

We can provide a full end to end solution, encompassing fleet, financing arrangements, charging infrastructure and energy supply to deliver a quicker and easier route to market. Our dedicated team is waiting to work with you to find the best solution for your needs and drive the change towards achieving carbon net zero.

Find out how we can help you by downloading our interactive guide.

Accessing zero emission buses

The UK market for zero emissions buses is developing quickly, with several new suppliers entering the market or expanding their capabilities to encompass the new technologies.  The changing supplier base will be supported through the future CCS agreements, in line with the Government’s Build Back Better strategy. 

By accessing our agreements, you can be assured that suppliers have been appropriately evaluated on their compliance and capability to deliver and that our agreements provide competitive pricing. 

There are options to purchase new EV or hydrogen buses outright, or you can explore the options of converting some of your existing fleet to become EV capable – extending the lifespan of your existing assets.

Financing your investment

Whilst the ZEBRA scheme provides significant funding to support the transition to zero emission buses, there may also be a requirement for your organisation to seek additional funding to invest in buses and other infrastructure developments required to achieve a zero emission transport system.

Our Leasing and Loans Dynamic Purchasing System offers Hire Purchase, both Finance and Operating Leases, Sale and Leaseback as well as Asset Secured Loans to give you access to a full range of funding options to finance your zero emission bus scheme. 

If you are unsure of which financing option is best for your objectives, we also offer Leasing Advisory Services including financing options appraisals that give your organisation an analysis of the funding options available. This also includes the option to run an end-to-end vehicle procurement on your behalf which will ensure expert procurement resources are at your disposal and the most efficient delivery route.

Charging

Getting your zero emission bus is just the first step on the journey, you also need to ensure your city/town has the right charging infrastructure to support its operation. This will need to consider where charging needs to take place, the geographic range of your buses and ensuring there is a suitable connection to the grid to source the power.

Our agreements include a range of charging technologies and funding options that we will be happy to explore with you to determine the best outcome. They also provide a route for feasibility studies to help determine your charging infrastructure strategy.

Renewable Energy Supply

To create a truly sustainable zero emission bus network, it is also important to ensure that the energy supply for your charging network is sourced from renewable power. 

Our agreements have a range of options, starting from Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) backed power supply, access to renewable technologies (e.g. solar carports) or even sourcing Power Purchase Agreements. You may also want to consider whether battery storage technologies will play a role in your strategy.

Get in Touch

We are here to support your transition to a zero emission bus network in your town and city. We will mobilise an internal project team to encompass all the elements involved in setting up your zero emission bus programme and will guide you through the process.

If you would like to work with us, please contact info@crowncommercial.gov.uk quoting ‘zero emission buses’ and we will be in touch to set up a meeting.