New electric buses set for Nottingham thanks to Mayor’s £4.5m investment
New electric double-decker buses are set to take to the streets of Nottingham thanks to funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands.
Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has welcomed the arrival of its first electric double-decker buses, with its first Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliners now at NCT, ahead of entering passenger service later this year on Lilac Line 27 to Carlton.
The investment has been supported through funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who have contributed £4.5m towards the double-decker investment.
‘Committed to improving the experience’
Mayor Claire Ward said: “I’m committed to improving the experience of public transport, which is why I’m investing £4.5m in helping bring cleaner buses to Nottingham.
“The new electric double-decker buses will give passengers a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable journey, with air conditioning, charging ports, and improved accessibility.
“These are the kind of everyday improvements that add up when you use public transport, so they are important to get right. By making buses cleaner, more comfortable, and more accessible, the bus will be a more attractive choice.”
Launch event
Passengers are invited to see the buses for themselves when NCT hosts a special launch event to allow people to experience the new electric double deck buses ahead of their introduction into passenger service.
Visitors will be able to step aboard the brand-new, state-of-the-art buses, explore the latest features and technology, and find out more about how the new vehicles will enhance journeys on the Lilac line.
The launch event will take place at Sneinton Market Square, Nottingham, on Wednesday 14 October 2026, from 10am-3pm.
A total of six zero emission Streetdeck Electroliner Gen 2.0 buses have been supplied by Wrightbus, the only remaining UK-owned bus manufacturer and the largest zero-emission bus manufacturer in Europe, with more than 2,000 in service across the UK.
Passengers will benefit from improved features including full air conditioning, USB charging points, comfortable seating and enhanced accessibility, including two wheelchair bays. A lighter, natural looking internal wooden floor, which contrasts with hand poles and the seat design, also helps provide a clam, welcoming environment for neurodivergent passengers.
With a range of up to 275 miles and fast charging capability, the Electroliner easily fits into daily scheduling and operational demands.
Electric bus project
The launch marks the next stage of NCT’s electric bus project, following the successful completion of its single-decker electric bus rollout, with all 62 electric single-decker buses now in service across Nottingham.
The arrival of the StreetDeck Electroliners marks an important milestone in NCT’s plans to electrify its double-decker fleet.
Energy partner VEV has already completed the infrastructure works at NCT’s Parliament Street Garage where the buses will be based and charged overnight. VEV already provides solutions that charge more than 6,000 vehicles across 600 sites.
With further electric double-deckers due before Christmas – backed by a funding boost of £6.3m from EMCCA – NCT’s zero-emission electric fleet will increase to 93 vehicles, with about a third of the fleet operating as fully electric.
‘Step change’
David Astill, NCT managing director said: “NCT is proud to launch our latest electric buses, funded in partnership with the EMCCA and Mayor Claire. They represent a further step change in the specification of our modern fleet of buses, including full air-conditioning which is a first for our double-deck vehicles.
“I am confident our customers will love the improvements and encourage them to pop down to Sneinton Market Place to get an early glimpse before they go into service on Carlton Road.”
Christian Reynolds, Wrightbus managing director, said: “As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re proud our buses are continuing to play such an important role in the future of public transport across the UK.
“This is an important milestone in Nottingham’s transition to zero-emission public transport, and we look forward to seeing these buses enter service and become a familiar sight on the city’s roads. They will help NCT deliver cleaner and more comfortable journeys for passengers while supporting the city’s wider ambitions for a more sustainable transport network.”
Further details about the NCT Electric Bus project can be found at www.nctx.co.uk/electricbus