Equipmake, the manufacturer of battery-electric vehicle drivetrains, has welcomed the opening of the latest Scottish Zero Emissions Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), which reduces the price of a repowered bus by up to £50,000.
A Scottish Government scheme, ScotZEB is designed to accelerate the transition to zero emission buses in Scotland and follows on from first phase funding – which awarded £62m to nine bus operators and local authorities for 276 buses and associated charging infrastructure – with a new £58million fund.
Companies like Equipmake, who offer repowering – where the diesel powertrain of a bus is replaced with a fully electric drivetrain – alongside local authorities and public service bus operators, are all eligible to bid for support with ScotZEB Phase 2.
The Norfolk-based company’s repower technology programme involves an inspection of each bus to ensure its adaptability to its unique, scalable modular electric chassis.
Once its suitability is verified, the process itself is quick, with up to five repowers a week being completed, ensuring a working bus is kept off the road for as short a time as possible.
Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said, “The confirmation that the latest round of ScotZEB funding will assist with the purchase price of a repowered bus by up to £50,000 is fantastic news. This innovative initiative will enable fleets to go electric quickly and even more cost-effectively, helping them bridge the gap between diesel and a new electric bus fleet.
“We welcome the opening of applications for ScotZEB Phase 2 funding, news which will not only speed up the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet in Scotland but also support the growth of jobs in UK-wide, including at Equipmake.”
