Electrification specialist Equipmake has announced that its latest zero-emission version of the new Routemaster double-decker bus has begun pre-service trials in London, operated by Metroline. The bus will be assessed over the next six months, delivering valuable data as Transport for London (TfL) continues to evaluate the use of clean technologies within the UK capital.
The new Routemaster model has been repowered by Equipmake, which involved removing the vehicle’s hybrid drivetrain and replacing it with the company’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED). The battery drivetrain package can be retrofitted to any diesel or hybrid bus.
The charging infrastructure necessary for the vehicle trial is located at Metroline’s Holloway depot in addition to battery data analytics which is being provided by EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē.
The repowered Routemaster – developed by Equipmake at its facility in Norfolk, UK – features a 400kWh battery to enable an estimated service range of 150 miles.
Equipmake will trial additional repowered buses over the next few months with other UK-based bus operators.
“Repowering is a vital, cost-effective transitionary technology that can bridge the gap between diesel and a new electric bus fleet,” explained Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake. “London is leading the way in the adoption of green technologies for large commercial vehicles and as TfL continues to evaluate a range of clean technologies, we are confident our repower systems can play a rapid role in accelerating any zero-emission vehicle strategy.”
“Metroline is delighted to trial this innovative fully-electric New Routemaster bus in London,” added Adrian Jones, engineering director, Metroline. “Repowering technology has huge potential in enabling operators to accelerate the transition of fleets to zero emissions and we look forward to further evaluating this test vehicle over the coming six months.”
