Image: StagecoachUnveiling the new buses at a community event in Guildford, Stagecoach South announced that the new vehicles will operate on routes across Blackwater Valley and Surrey. They will be primarily be deployed on the Service 1 (Aldershot to Camberley and Old Dean) and Service 20 (Aldershot – Guildford) routes.The next-gen version of the U11DD double decker features either a 385kWh or 422kWh LFP battery pack, with a range of up to 503km depending on the type. These are mounted within the purpose-built chassis, which utilises a dedicated EV architecture, rather than a converted diesel chassis. The bus itself is manufactured for depot-based overnight charging using CCS2 infrastructure.The new model is gradually being integrated into bus fleets across the UK, with Nottingham City Transport and Stagecoach South being among the first to deploy it for public use this year. According to the transport operator, each bus has seating for up to 73 passengers plus two wheelchair spaces, low-floor access, and USB charging at every seat. (Stagecoach has not confirmed whether the listed capacity includes standing as well as seated passengers).According to Stagecoach, the buses were procured through a ‘competitive’ tender process, with a focus on ‘whole-life value, reliability, passenger comfort and compliance with UK regulatory requirements’.“These new electric buses represent a major step forward in delivering cleaner, quieter and more comfortable journeys for customers across Blackwater Valley and Surrey,” said Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South. “They bring significant environmental benefits while also improving accessibility, comfort and overall customer experience.”Info via email