BUS manufacturer Optare has won its second £3 million plus order this month after being tasked with supplying 17 electric vehicles fo Nottingham City Council.

The Sherburn in Elmet-based business has previously suplied 28 electric buses to the authority, which has one of the largest fleets of electric buses for public transport in Europe.

The 17 new buses are 9.2m Solo EVs, and the first deliveries are expected in July.

The buses are equipped with a rapid charge system so they can use charging systems installed in the City, and have been part funded by the Department for Transport’s Green bus Fund.

Enrico Vassallo, Optare’s chief executive officer, said: “This is very encouraging for bus manufacturing in Britain, as our factory near Leeds is benefiting from several large orders for new buses this year.

"We are delighted to be leading the way with the proven technology and efficiency of ourelectric buses, and hybrid systems, meaning customers like Nottingham City Council are choosing more Optare buses for their low carbon fleet.”

The order follows Optare winning a £3.5 million contract earlier this month to supply 16 new vehicles to Manchester.

As a leader in electric and hybrid bus technology, Optare received the order from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

The 16 new buses, including hybrids and the firm’s first electric models, will bring the total to 115 low carbon Optare buses operating in the conurbation.

The order was supported by the Department for Transport’s Green Bus Fund, and consists of 13 Versa hybrid 12m-long school buses and three Versa 9.7m-long electric buses – the first fully electric low access buses to be used in Manchester.

The first vehicles are expected to be in operation in July.