Equipmake, the UK-based engineering specialist, has doubled its fleet EV repowering agreement with Big Bus Tours to 20 buses.
Following on from an initial contract with the sightseeing company – announced in September 2023 – to repower 10 double-deck, open-top buses with its electric zero emission electric drivetrain technology, Equipmake has now expanded the agreement to a fleet of 20 vehicles.
All 20 vehicles are Ankai double-deck sightseeing buses – and each will be converted to incorporate Equipmake’s Zero-Emission Drivetrain (ZED) technology, which in this specification features a 327kWh capacity battery, providing a 120-mile daily range.
The repowered fleet will be delivered by January 2025, with three buses delivered by May 2024, and two per month thereafter.
The first is set to enter service in the Q1 2024.
Each Equipmake repower is completely bespoke to the requirements of the specific vehicle with service routes simulated to ensure the optimum battery level is selected, and that required mileage is achievable.
The ZED, which is completely modular and scalable and can be applied to single as well as double-decker buses, features Equipmake’s in-house developed electric motor, inverter, and power electronics, combined with the latest in lithium-ion batteries.
In addition, one of its most important features is Equipmake’s patented ultra-efficient thermal management system, which maintains all three of the ZED’s key components – the battery pack, motor, and inverter – at an optimum operating temperature, maximising vehicle range.
Gerry Price, Executive Vice President – Group Operations at Big Bus Tours said, “As part of our drive for global net zero, Equipmake’s performance to date with the development of the first 10 buses ordered made the decision to increase the number an easy one and will further progress our class leading zero emissions status in the London tourism market.”
