Bee Network completes first electric bus conversion

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network is accelerating progress towards carbon-neutral public transport as the first diesel bus to be converted to being fully electric powered takes to the roads.

Bus operator, Go North West, which operates a number of Bee Network services in the North of the city-region, operates 69 electric buses from its Bolton depot, is now testing the feasibility of repowering existing diesel buses into fully electric vehicles by replacing the diesel engine with a state-of-the-art zero-emission electric powertrain.

The trial will evaluate energy efficiency, range, operational costs, and real-world performance to determine whether repowering can offer a scalable solution for fleet electrification.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North West, said:

“This trial is about exploring how the Bee Network might accelerate moves towards an all-electric fleet.

“Converting an existing vehicle extends its life and provides a lower-cost way to cut emissions quickly. If successful, this could become a vital tool in delivering Greater Manchester’s zero-emission ambitions.”

The number of electric buses serving people across Greater Manchester continues to grow rapidly, from fewer than 1% before franchising to one in four by the summer as part of ambitions to have a fully electric fleet by 2030. 

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s Director of Bus, said:

“Greater Manchester is determined to lead the way on transport innovation. As we look to grow our fleet of electric buses, this repowering trial is an exciting opportunity to explore whether bus electrification can happen faster and more cost-effectively. If successful, it could prove invaluable in helping us deliver a fully electric fleet by 2030 and provide a blueprint for the wider industry.”

The conversion process takes just three weeks and is carried out by a specialist team from Wrightbus in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The trial will help determine whether further conversions should follow, providing a more sustainable alternative to early fleet replacement.

Kirk Trewin, UK Bus Sales Director at Wrightbus, said:

“Repowering technology has the potential to be a game-changer in the transition to zero-emission transport. We’re excited to work with Go North West and TfGM to bring this innovation to life, which could unlock more cost-effective solutions for the industry.

Beyond environmental benefits, the converted electric buses are equipped with state-of-the-art features designed to enhance passenger comfort and safety. These include audio-visual next stop announcements, two wheelchair bays, anti-slip flooring, a passenger hearing loop system, and USB chargers at every seat.