Thursday, November 21, 2024
Electric VehiclesLatestNews

Equipmake secures zero-emission bus contract

Electrification of transport specialist Equipmake has announced that it has secured a successive contract with Golden Tours to repower a further ten Volvo B5 London Tour Buses, using its in-house developed Zero-Emission Drivetrain (ZED).

This contract follows a £2million initial order in February from Golden Tours, which offers trips around London and day excursions to locations such as Stonehenge and Bath.

Equipmake’s ZED, which will be integrated in each of Golden Tours bus, is a modular and scalable repowering solution, applicable to both single and double-deck applications.

The technology features Equipmake’s in-house developed electric motor, inverter, and power electronics, which are combined with the latest lithium-ion batteries.

One of the features of the ZED is its patented, ultra-efficient thermal management system, which maintains the battery pack, motor and inverter at an optimal temperature, therefore maximising vehicle range.

Equipmake’s technology also saves 90 tonnes of CO2 by repurposing the existing chassis and body, rather than producing an entirely new double deck bus. A

Additionally, each conversion costs less than half the price of a new electric bus, and with most buses in service for more than 14 years, it claimed.

Commenting on the contract, Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake said: 

“This new contract is testament to the quality and reliability of our products and reflects an increasing move in the sector towards sustainable operational alternatives.

“Equipmake’s bus repowering provides an economically compelling alternative to purchasing new electric vehicles and we are delighted that we can support Golden Tours as it works to make its fleet sustainable.” 

Mikesh Palan, Managing Director at Golden Tours, added: 

“The cutting-edge capabilities of Equipmake’s Zero-Emission Drivetrain and its many cost, sustainability and efficiency advantages highlighted clear benefits of this continued partnership. We look forward to bringing these electric buses into service and continuing to put sustainability at the forefront of our business strategy.” 

Image from Equipmake

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