Zenobē Expands WMCA Electric Bus Partnership

Birmingham, UK- Zenobē Energy Limited., a battery storage and electric fleet solutions, has confirmed the next phase of its partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as the region moves towards bringing bus services under public ownership and control.

As part of the transition, Zenobē’s existing contracts for electric bus charging and vehicle availability will transfer to West Midlands Bus Company, which WMCA intends to acquire in full during the second half of 2026. The contracts cover 459 electric buses and associated charging infrastructure across depots throughout the West Midlands.

Zenobē will continue to supply and maintain the charging infrastructure supporting the region’s electric bus network throughout the transition, working closely with WMCA and its future franchise operators.

The expanded partnership highlights Zenobē’s growing role as a strategic infrastructure partner for combined authorities and public-sector organisations seeking to transition to zero-emission transport while adapting to new models of public ownership and bus franchising.

As more UK regions take greater control of their bus networks, authorities are increasingly seeking long-term partners that can provide certainty around vehicle availability, charging infrastructure and asset performance. Zenobē’s approach allows these arrangements to evolve alongside changing ownership and operating structures.

Mr. Steven Meersman, Co-Founder of Zenobē, said, “This next phase with WMCA demonstrates what can be achieved when a combined authority and an experienced infrastructure partner work together towards a shared long-term goal.

“As WMCA takes greater control of bus services across the region, we have structured our relationship to directly support that ambition, providing certainty around its electric fleet while helping deliver its transport and net-zero priorities. We believe this model can offer a valuable blueprint for combined authorities across the UK as more regions move towards public control of bus services.”

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