Equipmake EV retrofit for London tour buses

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【Summary】Equipmake, a UK electrification specialist, has signed a contract with Big Bus Tours in London to convert a fleet of 10 open-top tour buses from diesel to fully electric. The converted buses will be fitted with 327kWh batteries, providing a range of 120 miles. By retrofitting instead of purchasing new electric buses, Big Bus Tours will save 90 tonnes of embedded CO2 per vehicle and make significant operating cost savings. The first electric bus is set to enter service in Q1 2024.

FutureCar Staff Sep 29, 2023 6:16 AM PT

Equipmake EV retrofit for London tour buses

Equipmake, a UK electrification specialist, has recently signed a contract with London's Big Bus Tours to convert a fleet of 10 open-top tour buses from diesel to fully electric. The Ankai buses will be equipped with 327kWh batteries, offering a range of 120 miles. This range is sufficient to cover the buses' daily sightseeing routes around the historic sites of the capital. The first converted vehicle is scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2024.

The CEO of Equipmake, Ian Foley, expressed his delight in partnering with Big Bus Tours, emphasizing the importance of making fleets more sustainable. He highlighted the advantages of repowering, stating that Big Bus Tours will not only contribute to achieving net-zero targets and improving local air quality but also enjoy significant operating cost savings compared to purchasing new electric buses.

Equipmake estimates that by retrofitting instead of buying new electric buses, Big Bus Tours will save 90 tonnes of embedded CO2 per converted vehicle. Additionally, the cost of each conversion is less than half the price of a new electric bus. Operators can also make substantial savings by converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles when they are halfway through their scheduled service life.

Gerry Price, the executive vice president at Big Bus Tours, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Equipmake, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainability. He believes that through innovative solutions like this, Big Bus Tours can contribute to improving the air quality of the capital and provide tourists with an even more enjoyable experience.

Equipmake's Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED), which will be used on the tour buses, has already been implemented on London's iconic Routemasters. These electrified buses were introduced for trials in November 2022 and feature a 400kWh battery, offering a range of 150 miles while in service.