A Brighton bus company has been awarded £500,000 towards the cost of buying three electric buses.
The Big Lemon is receiving the money from the Department for Transport (DfT) through the government’s Low Emission Bus Scheme.
It is one of six bus companies or councils to have been given a grant as the DfT commits £11 million towards cleaner public transport.
The Big Lemon buses will be charged using solar power at the firm’s East Brighton depot.
Transport Minister Paul Maynard said: “The Big Lemon’s plans will make a real difference in cleaning up emissions from buses in the local area.
“New greener buses will be more comfortable for passengers, they are cost efficient and are good for the environment.
“I am pleased that our funding will deliver three new electric buses for Brighton.”
The news comes after the Big Lemon spent the past month testing an Optare Solo EV (electric vehicle).
Big Lemon managing director Norman Baker, a former government Transport Minister, said: “We have been extremely impressed with the Solo EV and all our drivers have loved driving it.
“The feedback from passengers has been extremely positive, with many commenting how quiet, comfortable and smooth the Solo EV is.”
The company hopes to have its new electric buses carrying local passengers early next year.
