Find out what we're doing since our successful bid for the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 scheme.
Brighton & Hove now has zero‑emission electric buses in everyday service as part of the city’s long‑term transition to cleaner, more sustainable transport.
The project has been delivered through a partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton & Hove Buses, supported by government funding through the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas programme, known as ZEBRA 2.
Introducing electric buses is a practical step towards reducing carbon emissions, improving local air quality and modernising public transport, supporting the city’s wider net zero ambitions.
Sixteen new electric double‑decker buses entered service in April 2026. These buses are now operating on route 7, one of the city’s busiest and most well‑used routes, providing links to education, employment, healthcare and rail stations.
Deploying electric buses first on a high‑frequency route helps maximise environmental benefits and ensures that improvements are experienced by a large number of passengers every day.
A further 13 electric buses are planned as part of the next phase of the project, alongside continued investment by the operator in charging infrastructure.
The ZEBRA 2 scheme is designed to help local transport authorities and bus operators overcome the higher upfront costs of zero‑emission buses.
Government funding covers part of the additional cost of electric vehicles and depot charging infrastructure compared with conventional diesel buses. Brighton & Hove Buses is making significant investment in vehicles, infrastructure and operations, with a smaller matched contribution from Brighton & Hove City Council approved through the council’s decision‑making process.
This partnership approach allows Brighton & Hove to introduce electric buses while managing costs and risk appropriately.
Electric buses bring a number of long‑term benefits, including:
Accessibility has been embedded into the design of the electric buses from the outset.
Brighton & Hove Buses has worked with disabled people and representative organisations to shape features that meet a wide range of needs. These include dual wheelchair spaces, audio and visual next‑stop announcements, induction loops, clearer layouts, dementia‑friendly flooring and seating, and improved space for mobility aids and buggies.
This approach helps ensure that investment in cleaner transport also supports inclusive and accessible public services.
Electric buses form part of a broader programme to decarbonise transport in Brighton & Hove over the coming years. We'll continue to work with operators and government to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable, accessible bus services for residents and visitors.
Find more more details, including images and videos of the electric buses in service on the Brighton & Hove Buses website.