Stagecoach showcases 'Chargd' in action at launch event as nationwide rollout accelerates

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, yesterday hosted an exclusive in-person national launch event to showcase Chargd, its ground-breaking B2B electric vehicle (EV) charging proposition, in active operation.

At the event Stagecoach confirmed six strategic depots are now fully live and operational with the Chargd service: Inverness, Cambridge, Oxford, Stockton, Ash Grove (London) and Dover.

To meet growing demand from logistics, construction, utilities, and public sector operators, Stagecoach also announced its expansion plan for the remainder of the year. Coming soon in 2026, an additional nine sites will go live, significantly extending Chargd’s national footprint. These upcoming locations are:

• Scotland: Kilmarnock, Perth, and Aberdeen
• London: Lea Interchange and Bromley
• Midlands: Nuneaton and Rugby
• North & Yorkshire: Sunderland and Chesterfield

The event follows the initial announcement of the Chargd initiative in May and brought together around 25 key delegates at its Cambridge depot. Attendees included representatives from the local Chambers of Commerce, and prominent Chargd partners, including Scania, EV fleet payment platform Paua, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and fleet transition specialists VEV.

The launch event commenced with short presentations from Stagecoach leadership and partners. Debra Goodwin, Chief People & Customer Officer at Stagecoach, and Mike Smith, Business Development Director at Stagecoach, outlined the strategic vision for Chargd and how opening up Stagecoach’s extensive depot network is solving a critical infrastructure barrier for UK businesses. They were joined by Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, Simon Cubitt, Commercial Director for Bus & Coach at VEV, as well as Emma Durham, Product Manager from VEV, who detailed the technology, power management, and operational integration behind the hubs.

Following the presentations, delegates were transported via electric bus to the nearby depot. There, they were given an exclusive tour and a live demonstration of the Chargd infrastructure in action, witnessing first-hand how third-party commercial fleets and HGVs can access and use Stagecoach’s high-capacity, rapid-charging hubs.

Debra Goodwin, Chief People & Customer Officer at Stagecoach, commented:

“It was fantastic to welcome our partners, the media, and local business leaders to show them exactly what Chargd can do. We aren't just talking about the future of fleet decarbonisation; we are actively delivering it. By opening up our live depots, we are providing UK businesses with the high-capacity, rapid-charging infrastructure they need to transition their fleets with complete confidence.”

Simon Cubitt, Commercial Director for Bus & Coach at VEV, said:

"We're proud to support Stagecoach as it opens its depot network to commercial fleets through Chargd. This is exactly the kind of collaborative approach the industry needs, making better use of existing infrastructure while providing other businesses access to dependable, high-powered charging. By combining the right infrastructure, energy management and operational expertise, we're making fleet electrification more accessible and helping transport and logistics operators transition with confidence."

Chargd builds upon Stagecoach’s extensive experience in fleet electrification, representing a key pillar in the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, which includes targeting a zero-tailpipe emission bus fleet by 2035.

For more information about Chargd, to check site availability, or to discuss fleet charging requirements, please visit: https://www.stagecoachsolutions.com/ev-fleet-charging