Thirteen brand-new electric buses are set to join local roads as part of efforts to create greener public transport in the area.
Oxford Bus Company is rolling out the vehicles after obtaining more than £5.1 million in funding to expand its electric fleet across Oxfordshire.
The Go-Ahead Group, which owns Oxford Bus Company, supplied £3.9 million of this amount, while Oxfordshire County Council added £1.2 million through its Vehicle Improvement Fund grant scheme.
The new single-deck electric buses include nine larger models and four smaller ones. They will operate on services beyond the Oxford SmartZone boundary, with several already running.
Oxford Bus Company managing director Luke Marion said this marked another important sustainability milestone in the company’s continued work to improve air quality in the communities it serves.
He noted these vehicles would enable the company to extend electric bus coverage throughout the county rather than focusing mainly on services within Oxford itself.
The buses were manufactured by UK-based companies Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis. They will cover the 35 service to Abingdon, the 46 route to Great Milton, the ST2 to Wytham, and the 21 line linking Bicester and Chesterton.
Mr Marion highlighted the collaborative aspect of this investment.
He said this extra funding demonstrated successful joint working and improved traffic circumstances in Oxford, including the county’s temporary congestion charge and the well-used free Park & Ride scheme. Rising passenger numbers had given the company confidence to invest further in growing its electric fleet. He expressed gratitude to Oxfordshire County Council and the Go-Ahead Group for their backing.
Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for transport management Andrew Gant said this was welcome news showing how collaboration produced real advantages for local people.
He said acquiring these new electric vehicles, with further improvements planned, had been achieved through the council’s ongoing close cooperation with bus operators under the Enhanced Partnership arrangement, which would be strengthened further.
Oxford Bus Company introduced its first electric bus in March 2020, with a complete urban rollout completing in 2024 through collaboration with Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, and Stagecoach.
During 2024, 159 electric buses entered service, using charging infrastructure at the company’s Cowley House depot.
By December 2025, the company’s electric fleet had covered 10 million kilometres, equivalent to more than 26 round trips to the moon.
Each electric bus generates no exhaust emissions, contributing to reductions in harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.