Equipmake has announced a new repower solution for the Wrightbus Streetdeck.

The Norfolk-based electrification engineering specialist is revealing the full details of the latest version of its modular electric chassis for the Streetdeck, designed to deliver a blend of range, battery capacity, performance and cost, with no compromise on passenger capacity.

Developed completely in-house, Equipmake’s Zero Emissions Drivetrain (ZED) features its proprietary electric motor, inverter and power electronics, combined with the latest lithium-ion batteries. For the Streetdeck, Equipmake pairs its HTM 3500 motor – delivering 3,500Nm of torque at 1,000rpm and peak power of 400kW, seamlessly integrated into the prop shaft without the need for a separate transmission – with a Semikron SKAI inverter and a 436kWh lithium-ion battery, which it says is capable of delivering up to 200-miles of range.

Designed to fit neatly into the existing space within the vehicle so there is no reduction to passenger carrying ability, one of the most important features of the ZED is its ultra-efficient thermal management system. This maintains the battery pack, motor and inverter at an optimal temperature, which should maximise vehicle range. An advanced water-glycol cooling circuit brings an additional benefit by providing interior heating during cold conditions with captured thermal energy. Once the battery has been depleted following a duty cycle, it can be recharged at the depot via a CCS DC charging point.

Half the price

Equipmake says it can convert a Streetdeck from diesel to electric in three weeks. The conversion is priced at under £200,000 for 436kWh, which Equipmake highlights costs less than half a brand-new electric bus.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to develop this stand-out electric repower solution for the Streetdeck and the results are sector-leading” – Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake

Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake, said: “The Wrightbus Streetdeck is one of the most popular double-deckers on UK fleets and the conversion of these buses will not only have a huge positive impact on local air quality but provide operators with a vehicle with lower running costs and a better experience for passengers and drivers.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to develop this stand-out electric repower solution for the Streetdeck and the results are sector-leading. Our Zero Emission Drivetrain technology has a crucial role to play in accelerating the transition to a fully electric UK fleet – and we look forward to converting as many of these vehicles as possible in the coming months.”

Equipmake’s ZED is a modular and scalable electric drivetrain solution, applicable to both single- and double-decks.