When interpreting events as they happen, there is a risk of indulging in hyperbole. Of asserting that what may turn out to be merely a passing phase is a momentous change. Of reading too much into a moment. But 27 February 2020 could truly be a historic day. It was the morning that National Express Group — the highest valued of the big five PLC operators — declared it had bought its last diesel urban bus and is on a quest to kick diesels off its extensive UK coach network.
In an era of media hype, smoke, mirrors and nuanced statements that often cloud reality, we should be sceptical when big businesses say such things. Does NatEx really mean this?
Yes it does. There are no ifs, buts or maybes. When chief executive Dean Finch says no more diesels, there are no get outs. No hybrids — mild or full fat — and no biogas. From now on, kick-started by the imminent arrival of 19 government-subsidised BYD/Alexander Dennis Enviro400EVs for the West Midlands, it will only buy all-electric, probably with batteries and overnight charging, but other propulsion and energy replenishment is possible, perhaps hydrogen fuel-cells if the cost comes down.
It is worth remembering that NatEx was already buying some of the cl…
