In 2021 we have the opportunity to complete the transition of our fleet from diesel to electric – can you help us make it happen?
In early 2016 we started a campaign to raise money to convert two diesel buses to electric, and later that year we ran another campaign to put solar panels on the roof of our bus depot.
Then in April 2017 we launched our first solar-powered electric bus, with the second arriving soon after in July the same year. In 2018 we launched a bigger campaign for stage two, and raised over £500,000 to buy four more electric buses, with grant funding from the Department for Transport through the Low Emission Bus Scheme. We have also managed to buy three second-hand electric buses, so we now have nine electrics in the fleet.
We have once again been successful in bidding for further funding through the Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme and we now have an opportunity to complete the transition to a fully electric fleet.
“It’s exciting to be on the verge of creating the UK’s first fully electric public bus network in Brighton & Hove; this will make a huge difference to air quality in the city and help us transition to a greener, low-carbon economy.
“From a personal perspective this is very exciting as it shows that communities do not need big business or the banks to fund the improvements they so desperately need – people power can do it too.”
Tom Druitt, Chief Executive
The project is part of The Big Lemon’s vision that by 2030 every community in the UK has access to affordable, sustainable transport, using zero-emissions vehicles powered by renewable energy and owned by the local community.
So why have people been so keen to invest?
It is an ethical business which I would like to see succeed, and it pays a decent interest rate.
Alistair
I want to see cleaner, quieter streets with air fit to breathe
Stephanie
This is the future of city transport.
Sue
This is a company with a great philosophy which is leading the way and deserves support
Roger and Margaret
Our daughter lives in Brighton and thinks we should
Barbara
Would you like to invest in our Solar Bus Bonds and help bring more zero-emissions electric buses to Brighton & Hove?
For a Solar Bus Bond Prospectus please click on the image below:
All investments are covered by our Solar Bus Bond Agreements:
If you’d like to invest in our Solar Bus Bonds please complete the fields below:
Upon receipt of your application we will send you a Bond Agreement to sign and an invoice for the funds with details of how to transfer the funds.
Upon receipt of your funds we will issue a bond certificate within 14 days. Your certificate will be dated the date of receipt of your funds and your investment will be returned to you at the end of the term. Interest will be paid annually, with the final payment on maturation
We reserve the right to refuse investments and we do not need to give a reason. The Big Lemon does not give financial advice and you are advised to seek independent financial advice on your investments.
This community bond issue falls outside the scope of regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
The Big Lemon CIC is Registered in England & Wales, Number 06045786
Registered Office: Protran House, Boundary Road, Brighton BN2 5TJ