A Scotland-based company is pioneering the development of one of the U.K.’s first all-electric intercity bus networks. The company recently secured $14 million (£11 million) in a Series A funding round to support its nationwide expansion plans.
Building an entire bus network from the ground up, whether electric or conventional, is a complex process that requires more than just a laptop and endless cups of coffee. The founders of Ember, Keith Bradbury and Pierce Glennie, started their journey in 2019 in Edinburgh with just one vehicle. They faced skepticism and challenges from manufacturers until China’s Yutong took a chance on them.
Ember’s first bus route was launched in late 2020, connecting Edinburgh with Dundee, and has expanded to other cities in Scotland since then. With 24 operational buses and 14 new generation vehicles equipped with advanced battery technology, Ember is on a path to transform intercity travel with sustainable solutions.
Ember has received $2.3 million in seed funding from leading European climate tech investors and is now gearing up for a significant market expansion in the U.K. The Series A funding was led by Inven Capital, 2150, and AENU, alongside existing backers.
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