Stagecoach, the UK's largest bus and coach operator, has taken delivery of its first battery-electric buses.
The zero-emission double-decker bus is part of a consignment of 55 that will soon service Oxford's routes, and comes from Alexander Dennis, a global bus manufacturer.
Funded by the government, the roll-out is part of a joint initiative called the Oxford Smart Zone, involving Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford Bus Company, targeting full electrification of the city's routes.
Sam Greer, chief operating officer, said: "With a network that spans across the UK, the incorporation of the new Enviro400EV buses into our fleet in Oxfordshire reaffirms our commitment to our customers' experience.
"Being the first operator to receive these next-generation buses brings us a step closer to realising our goal of being fully net zero."
The Enviro400EV buses for Oxford are 11.1m long, 4.2m high, and have a capacity of 83 passengers, inclusive of two wheelchair spaces.
They are equipped with high-backed seats and USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
Driver training begins soon, as the charging infrastructure installation at Stagecoach's Network Oxford site proceeds, ahead of the service launch this spring.
Paul Davies, president and managing director for Alexander Dennis, added: "The delivery of our first next-generation electric bus in the United Kingdom is a milestone in the roll-out of our new product range."
The Enviro400EV has been recognised as the most energy-efficient battery-electric double-decker, consuming just 0.67kWh/km.
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