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Essex Police has begun using high-power charging infrastructure at First Bus’s Basildon depot to support its growing electric fleet.

The force said charging vehicles at the depot provides secure, high-power infrastructure to support its continued rollout of electric vehicles while reducing reliance on public charging provision.

This year the force’s fleet will increase to 50 electric vehicles, part of its longer-term ambition to decarbonise a fleet of just under 800 vehicles.

First Charge was launched to support the wider adoption of electric vehicles by opening up First Bus’s electric depot charging infrastructure to third-party users, including commercial fleets and public-sector organisations.

The initiative now operates across a growing national network of electric bus depots, helping organisations access reliable, high-power charging without the need for immediate, large-scale infrastructure investment.

Essex Police began transitioning vehicles to electric in 2022, initially using the public charging network.

As the electric fleet has expanded, access to reliable, high-capacity charging has become critical to operational delivery.

At the Basildon site, police cars can charge in about 20 minutes.

Jason Tyrrell, Acting Head of Fleet at Essex Police, said: “We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our fleet while continuing to catch criminals and keep people safe across Essex.

“Moving to electric vehicles is a key part of that journey, but access to suitable charging infrastructure is essential.

“Working with First Bus through First Charge allows us to support the expansion of our electric fleet using existing, high-power infrastructure, while maintaining the operational resilience our service requires.”