From self-delivery to expert-led scale
After a self-delivered 6-vehicle pilot, Brinks partnered with Zenobē to scale to 25 vehicles in 12 months, cutting costs and timelines whilst projecting $800k in fuel and maintenance savings.
National Express Yardley Wood
Overcoming restricted grid capacity with a battery energy storage system
667kWh
of battery storage installed
1,776 tonnes
CO2 saved from entering the atmosphere per year*
480kg
of NOx saved from entering the atmosphere per year*
*This number was updated on 11/12/24, in-line with our most up-to-date reporting methodology. Learn more here.
Zenobē uses a battery energy storage system (BESS) to overcome restricted grid capacity at National Express’ Yardley Wood depot, Birmingham.
The challenge
National Express needed to deploy 19 e-buses at its Yardley Wood Garage for route 6. At the depot, grid import capacity restricted the number of buses that could be charged and space constraints required compact charging solutions.
National Express wanted to limit upfront costs and ensure the upgrades would support further fleet electrification both in the Yardley Wood depot and nationwide.
The solution
With grid upgrades being extremely expensive, Zenobē installed a battery (BESS). During the day the battery provides services to National Grid and generates additional income for National Express. During the night it discharges, supporting the grid connection during peak periods and ensuring a fully charged fleet.
Importantly, the battery can support the depot’s power requirements and reduce costs whilst only taking up an area equivalent to two car parking spaces.
As well as providing the BESS and charging infrastructure, Zenobē has financed all 19 bus batteries for National Express, thereby removing all battery related technology risk.
The Zenobē solution at Yardley Wood is designed to accommodate future EV expansion and has provided a blueprint for National Express’ other depots. Zenobē has made electrification both environmentally and economically sustainable for National Express.
The outcome
Zenobē installed 667kWh of battery storage and developed a smart charging strategy that supports bus charging and generates additional income. By financing 19 e-bus batteries and the charging infrastructure, Zenobē removed the technology risk for National Express. The project also created a template for future National Express depot electrification.
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