Electric buses confirmed for the Isle of Wight
A new fleet of electric buses will be arriving in 2026
The Isle of Wight is getting £4.5m from the government to buy 22 zero-emission single and double decker buses.
Operator Southern Vectis will also upgrade the charging infrastructure at its depot in Newport.
“This is very exciting news, and it will put the Isle of Wight right at the forefront of sustainable transport,” said Southern Vectis managing director, Andrew Wickham.
“We are bringing 22 new, all electric, double decker buses into our fleet - and these are set to arrive in early 2026.
"Each bus will be equipped with tap on, tap off, technology for contactless payments, USB charging points for all seats, and next stop audio and visual announcements.
"The buses will also have a fully accessible wheel-chair ramp, audio loops, dementia-friendly internal colour schemes and CCTV for added security.
“Our Newport depot will be upgraded with charging infrastructure, and we will be working on the design of this over the coming months.
"All of this will have a significant impact in the Isle of Wight’s overall carbon emissions. It will also improve air quality here.
Stewart Chandler, the council's transport strategy manager, added: “I am delighted that electric buses will be landing on our Island soon. The arrival of zero-emission buses is a big step in cutting air pollution from transport as we work hard to address the climate crisis.
”The support that Southern Vectis has shown for this project demonstrates the excellent working relationship we have with the bus operator and how working together can help achieve the very best for the Island."
The new fleet of electric buses is expected to arrive in February 2026.