Nine new single deck fully electric buses have been launched in Perth by Scotland's Transport Minister Graeme Dey, Stagecoach and SSE Energy Solutions.

The new buses will start serving routes across the city from January. They are supported by EV infrastructure built in Perth by SSE Energy Solutions as part of its efforts to help deliver green and clean transport for Scotland.

The transport minister was joined at the official media launch event at Perth Concert Hall by Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach, as well as representatives from bus manufacturer ADL and representatives from SSE Energy Solutions.

SSE, which is headquartered locally, is partnering with Stagecoach to deliver the new electrical infrastructure at the Perth depot. The vehicles were built in Falkirk by global bus manufacturer, ADL in partnership with BYD, the company's partner for electric buses in the UK and Ireland.

Minster for Transport Graeme Dey said: "I'm looking forward to seeing these new buses hit the road, thanks to the awards from the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme. By helping operators invest in greener fleets, we can support our green recovery and keep more people moving with fewer carbon emissions and better air quality as a result.

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"More journeys are made by bus compared to any other public transport mode and a vibrant bus industry can provide the solutions to complex challenges in our society. With the buses being manufactured in Falkirk, we are also helping the Scottish bus industry and wider supply chain."

Kevin Welstead, EV Sector Director Of SSE Energy Solutions, said: "We fully support the drive to decarbonise public transport in Scotland through our role as the EV infrastructure partners of choice for Stagecoach in this project. Given that SSE is headquartered at Perth we want to see cleaner and greener transport options for the area. We are also proud to be working with Stagecoach on a pilot scheme to trial EV community hubs, which mean the local population could also benefit from charging infrastructure once the electric buses are out on shift in the day."

Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach, said: "We are all really excited to be introducing our first fully electric vehicles in East Scotland thanks to the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme and the funding made available to support the delivery of the new buses.

"There has never been a more important time to take action to address the climate emergency and play a part in helping Scotland deliver on its net zero ambitions and we're pleased to be working with SSE and ADL on our plans. The introduction of these new fully electric buses in Perth reflect our commitment to creating a greener, smarter, safer and healthier country and at the same time will deliver major benefits for the region and our customers."

ADL President & Managing Director Paul Davies said: "Stagecoach continues to be at the front of investment in sustainable mobility and this new electric bus fleet for Perth is further testament to the group's ambition in supporting not only the Scottish Government in its targets, but also underpinning skilled jobs and apprenticeships in the world-class UK bus manufacturing industry.

"We are proud that our innovations continue to enable Stagecoach in delivering greener journeys. We look forward to continuing to work with Stagecoach and the Scottish Government in decarbonising the country's bus fleet."

Not only do these vehicles benefit the planet through zero emissions but are also quieter, have USB charging points at each seat, interior LED lights and contactless payment facilities creating a relaxing experience for passengers.