Equipmake doubles repower agreement with Big Bus Tours
Vehicle repower specialist Equipmake has doubled its fleet repowering agreement with Big Bus Tours.
The development follows on from an initial contract with the sightseeing company that was announced in September 2023 to repower ten Ankai double-deck, open-top buses to electric power. The agreement has now been extended to a fleet of 20 vehicles.
The Norfolk-based technology company is to convert the 20 buses with its Zero-Emission Drivetrain (ZED) technology, which in this specification features a 327kWh capacity battery, providing a 120-mile daily range. The entire repowered fleet is planned to 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 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. One of its most important features is Equipmake’s patented ultra-efficient thermal management system, designed to maintain all three of the ZED’s key components (the battery pack, motor, and inverter) at an optimum operating temperature, maximising vehicle range.
Featuring a water-glycol cooling circuit, the system has the added benefit of providing interior heating during cold conditions with captured thermal energy. The battery can be recharged at the depot overnight via a CSS DC charging point.
“Our industry-leading integrated zero emission drivetrain system continues to impress new and existing customers, as evidenced by the extension of this contract with Big Bus Tours” – Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake
Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said: “Our industry-leading integrated zero emission drivetrain system continues to impress new and existing customers, as evidenced by the extension of this contract with Big Bus Tours. This agreement will double the size of its fully electric, repowered fleet, demonstrating both the quality and efficacy of our state-of-the-art technology, and the level of investment being made across the transport sector as it moves towards a net zero future.”
“As part of our drive for global net zero, Equipmake’s performance to date with the development of the first ten buses ordered made the decision to increase the number an easy on” – Gerry Price, Executive Vice President – Group Operations at Big Bus Tours
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 ten 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.”